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Pluto, Saturn & Jupiter in Capricorn

By Gary O’Toole

The emphasis begins to shi� from Sagi�arius toCapricorn in early 2020, with Saturn’s ingressinto sidereal Capricorn by the end of January;Pluto by the end of February; and Jupiter by

the end of March.Saturn will remain in Capricorn un�l January 2023,

while Pluto will briefly return to Sagi�arius in June2020. Once Pluto returns to Capricorn by December2020, it will remain in the sign for the next twodecades. Jupiter will move back and over Sagi�ariusand Capricorn throughout 2020 and 2021. Any lastdredges of faulty thinking can be removed at this �me,so we can move forward with a shared truth andcommon ground from which to build our ‘New WorldOrder’.In this ‘post-truth’ era we can no longer rely on the

sanc�ty of religious leaders, or poli�cians (could weever?), or anyone claiming to speak the truth, becausewe know that it is just their truth, a subjec�ve reality,represented by Sagi�arius, and not an objec�ve reality,as represented by Capricorn.Do you prac�ce what you preach? It’s �me to find out

in 2020! Sagi�arius shows what you preach, whileCapricorn lets you know if this works in prac�ce.

The Truth is Out There

Photopraphy Samuel Zeller

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Pluto – Saturn Conjunc�onAs Saturn and Pluto conjoin at the end

of sidereal Sagi�arius in January 2020,before moving into Capricorn soon a�er,we were offered the opportunity ofriding ourselves of faulty beliefs for onceand for all. We may, however, just aseasily ‘dig our heels in’ and s�ck withwhat we have always believed,regardless of the facts. Anything that isbuilt on ill-conceived plans will not standthe test of �me as they move intoCapricorn in 2020. We will likelyexperience this as a breaking down ofexternal systems that empower internalchange.The split has already occurred;

between truth and falsity, ‘us and them’,‘this and that’, in whatever establishedforms you have been nego�a�ng. Youcan either channel this into buildingupon the ruins or disassociate and walkaway from the mess.Globally, this may look like country’s

dealing more with internal affairs andless so on interna�onal rela�ons.Personally, this may look like peopledealing with prac�cal issues in their livesand not having the �me or energy forany more philosophical debate.Although the actual Saturn-Pluto

conjunc�on occurs in 2020, we havebeen experiencing this in 2019 and willcon�nue to do so un�l 2021 due to theirproximity.

Although the actual Saturn-Pluto conjunc�on occurs in2020, we have beenexperiencing this in 2019 andwill con�nue to do so un�l2021 due to their proximity

Saturn represents form and �me,expressed in structures and systems inour lives that keep order. Some�mesthe systems are forced upon us, andsome�mes we force them uponourselves. This could be anything fromna�onal borders to consequences ofprevious ac�ons bearing fruit now,which we can no longer avoid. Theenvironmental issue is a primeexample of facing cold, hard facts.

Pluto represents destruc�on, decayand change. It is said to ‘make bigthings small, and small things big’,increasing fears and fuelling a sense ofthe ‘end �mes’ when conjunct Saturn.There are very real issues to deal withonce they move into Capricorn in2020. Un�l then, it is very much morea philosophical debate while theytransit Sagi�arius, while ac�ons arepostponed due to their conjunc�onwith the south node (Ketu). There’s no�me for debate in Capricorn.Whatever you believe about global

warming, the reality is that more andmore species are becoming ex�ncteach year and we fear we’re next inline. We are likely to see more andmore catastrophic events increasing asense of doom as Saturn and Pluto getcloser together into the beginning of2020 and throughout the year thatfollows.

We will likely see this play out in bigcorpora�ons a�emp�ng to take moreand more power, while we asindividuals do our part to give it tothem, while simultaneously seeking totake our power back. Borders arecompromised and simultaneously�ghtened by na�ons and individuals.As ethics take a further dive in

favour of big business and‘advancement’, we will likely see thisas a wake-up call that can no longer beignored; not in the sense of findingout something new, but in the sensethat we can no longer ignore what wemay try to bury at other �mes.Once Saturn and Pluto come

together, they almost immediatelyboth enter sidereal Capricorn, wherewe feel the consequences moreacutely, or according to the late andgreat Vedic astrologer, Bepin Behari,‘the spiritual impulse which guides theworld towards its des�ny’. Althoughwe generally think of Capricorn as oneof the more prac�cal signs that dealswith real issues, there is an internalcomponent to the sign that takes onthe world’s des�ny and deals with theissues – now. Saturn rules Capricornand is a ‘spiritualizing’ planet. It getsus to deal with an outer realitythrough a process of internaltransforma�on. If you personally knowsomeone with Capricorn veryprominent you will be familiar withthe hard work they do in thebackground; the tough internal andexternal work they do for us all.

Borders are compromisedand simultaneously�ghtened by na�ons andindividuals

ImageSamirRana

Capricorn is a cardinal (movable)sign, which means there are ac�ons tobe taken and things that must be done.It will finally feel like things arebeginning to happen from thebeginning of 2020, things that we havehesitated with in 2019. This is onereason the planet of ac�on, Mars isexalted in the sign and why the planetof philosophy and religion, Jupiter isdebilitated here. A �me must come toput away the philosophising and simplydo something. Saturn is very strong inits own sign and shows a ‘get on with it’type of approach in 2020.As Saturn, Pluto and Jupiter enter

Capricorn, it ins�gates something fromthe very start of 2020. The first 3degrees of Capricorn are also theCapricorn 9th harmonic division,doubling up on the powerful influenceof the most prac�cal AND‘spiritualising’ of signs.But Saturn is also where we hit a

wall, in many ways. It represents form,which has its limits, its definitestructure. We decide on something andthen, well, it cannot be something else- as easily, anyway. We may redra� andrework it, but it ends up beingsomething we must orientate ourselvesaround.When Saturn’s influence is

pronounced there is no denying whatis. But while Saturn is strong inCapricorn, Pluto is destruc�ve noma�er the sign involved, and structuresare challenged to stay intact as thehidden dynamics are brought to thesurface to face the cold light of day.

Borders are one such structurewhich are challenged during itsconjunc�on with Pluto. Throughouthistory, Saturn – Pluto conjunc�onshave stressed borders around theworld, including world wars and thebreaking up of empires, as lines areredrawn, and power give and takenback. Some examples of previousSaturn – Pluto conjunc�ons include thespli�ng up of India and Pakistan, asepara�on which is again experiencingtensions over Kashmir in 2019, as wellas the beginning of WW1 and the endof WW2. Saturn and Pluto representendings, yes, but endings point to newbeginnings. So, it’s not surprising thatthis conjunc�on also points to the fearof ex�nc�on of humanity while inSagi�arius, a sign that is usually a lotmore hopeful about the future. Thereality is that many species arebecoming ex�nct, while preserva�onorders are not uncommon; the otherside of the coin.If you are dealing with the removal

of something from your own life,chances are you are holding on to it ifyou deem it to be important. Saturnand Pluto could be summed up in twowords: ‘ex�nc�on rebellion’!But what if this conjunc�on is

freeing you of a burden you are be�eroff without? Either way, thisconjunc�on brings with it themes ofdestruc�on/protec�on,ex�nc�on/survival,decay/recupera�on,endings/beginnings, although someexperience this more intensely basedon individual circumstances as seen inindividuals’ horoscopes and life cycles.

Historical Saturn-PlutoConjunc�onsIn 1982, the Saturn-Pluto

conjunc�on saw a reset in thefinancial markets and a short butsevere recession leading up to theexact conjunc�on in November. Thisconjunc�on also saw the beginning ofthe AIDS epidemic and fears for itsimpact on humanity. The conjunc�onoccurred in sidereal Libra (Venusrules Libra and represents sexuallytransmi�ed diseases). 1982 also sawthe Falklands War and Canada gainfull poli�cal independence from theUnited Kingdom; again, more linesredrawn.In 1947, the conjunc�on saw the

reshaping of many parts of the world,a ‘new world order’, with theforma�on of Israel and the breakingup of India and Pakistan. Tensions aremoun�ng once again in these sameregions in the lead up to theconjunc�on in 2020. 1947 also sawthe first year of a cold war betweenthe Soviet Union and the US, whilethe Rosewell incident broke other,extra-terrestrial boundaries! Defenceof other boundaries was ini�ated inthe US with the crea�on of the CIA(Department of Defence and Na�onalSecurity Council).In 1914, World War 1 began in the

months prior to their conjunc�on; anindica�on that the run up to thispowerful configura�on is o�en morechallenging than the subsequentsepara�on. In 1914, the conjunc�onoccurred in Ārdrā, a lunar mansionruled by a fierce and angry form ofŚiva called Rudra, the god of stormswhich creates sorrow. Theconjunc�on in this sign was highlyvola�le.

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Sidereal & TropicalAs Saturn and Pluto enter sidereal

Capricorn in 2020, they are placed inboth sidereal and tropical Capricornfor most of the next few years,doubling up on the significance of asign that is all about ge�ng on with it– whatever ‘it’ is. But whatever endsup happening, or whatever you endup doing, at least you are doingsomething – at least something ishappening! This is one reason 2019was so challenging: Saturn’sconjunc�on with the south node(Ketu) showed a lack of willingnessand a lot of fear when added to theSaturn-Pluto close conjunc�on.Another result of Saturn and Pluto’s

conjunc�on we must be aware of,however, is it can show fear (Saturn)of the changes (Pluto) that must takeplace now, as well as fear of what islost in the process. Pluto reflects ourfragile egos, pushing up against eachother when faced with the limita�onsof Saturn. This has been expressed ina search for our truth in Sagi�arius,fuelling debates and various opinions,while globally this has played out incountry’s redrawing borders and newlaws for self-protec�on. Now that theymerge in Capricorn in 2020, we arelikely to see this play out in moreobvious ways, through acts andac�ons where country’s andindividuals leave less room forspecula�on. The �me for talk iscoming to an end. Brexit, anyone?Other boundaries will become more

prominent, I imagine. A majorboundary may be beyond our planet,pushing the boundaries of spacetravel.

There is always the possibility ofbecoming split with majorconjunc�ons such as these; splitbetween one’s individual needs andthe collec�ve, for example, or a splitbetween inner and outer, as insomeone disassocia�ng from theoutside world to address their internalreality, or vice versa. This conjunc�oncan simply bring up fear of ‘end �mes’,of dwindling resources and adiminishing of one’s own personalboundaries. But it does point to thebeginning of redrawing thoseboundaries, so everyone’s clear.There is much fear that is protected

outwardly; fear of what those inpower are doing, for example. Othersplits may be more obvious; in groupthinking, between religions andpoli�cal par�es. The last �me Pluto,Saturn and Jupiter came together insidereal Sagi�arius was during theReforma�on which saw a split in theCatholic church and the crea�on ofProtestan�sm.Will we see a new religion or the

spli�ng of one to form an offshoot in2020? What would a reforma�on looklike in our modern era? Manycommentators speak about a newreligion and culture replacingtradi�onal religions, as social mediabecomes the altar on which topray/preach to our very owncongrega�on.

This conjunc�on can bringup fear of ‘end �mes’, ofdwindling resources and adiminishing of one’s ownpersonal boundaries Im

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The lunar mansions transited bySaturn and Pluto are U�arāṣāḍhāand Abhijit. This points to universalconcerns and selfless ac�ons whichare expressed in individuals makinggreat sacrifices for the preserva�onof our planet. Greta Thunberg is onesuch example. U�arāṣāḍhā’s symbolsare an elephant and the planks of abed. The elephant symbol �es thislunar asterism to the previousPūrvāṣāḍhā; the previous signsymbolised by an elephant’s tusk.This is symbolic of making abreakthrough ini�ally (Pūrvāṣāḍhā)and then charging ahead(U�arāṣāḍhā). Once an elephant getsgoing, there is no stopping it!U�arāṣāḍhā’s other symbol, theplanks of a bed, is symbolic ofhardships that must be endured toachieve something, and theausteri�es we must endure to makesomething happen. This isn’t sostraight forward, however, as Saturnand Pluto join in these signs. Instead,what we experience is some of thatand a lot of avoidance anddisassocia�on. I imagine we will seemore and more people choosing totune out as best they can in thecoming years, while others have nochoice, or choose to take on theissues. Saturn and Pluto may createbig changes on the planet and in ourlives, but they also point to hugeresistance to change, both globallyand on a personal level.

The other asterism involved,although perhaps not as directly, isAbhijit; an intercalary sign that is farnorth of the eclip�c and usuallyignored in horoscopy. However, it isused in astrological elec�ons,deno�ng universal concerns. O�entranslated as ‘victorious’, Abhijit getsus to ques�on who exactly is thevictor? As it is placed in siderealCapricorn, universal concerns arefavoured over personal. One deityassociated with it is the god ofcrea�on; an indica�on of theini�a�ng quali�es of movableCapricorn, as is the god ofpreserva�on, showing the need forpreserva�on alongside changes thatmust be made. While Saturn maywish to persevere, it removes thingsin the process, while Pluto is verymuch about changing something intosomething else; ‘making small thingsvery large and very large thingssmall’. This will likely play out moreobviously in sweeping changes inworld powers and leaders, as thepower shi�s between countries.Pluto and Saturn’s quali�es are

known as tamasic in Vedic thought,meaning ‘inert’, ‘decaying’, ‘dark’ and‘resistant’. This quality can bechannelled in ways that slowly, veryslowly, reform. Saturn as the ‘Lord ofTime’ brings a sense of the inevitablere-forma�on that must occur now.And then Jupiter will join Saturn

and Pluto in Capricorn from March2020, spending li�le �me on ethicaldebates when things must be doneregardless.

Saturn’s quali�es areknown as tamasic in Vedicthought, meaning ‘inert’,‘decaying’, ‘dark’ and‘resistant’

Jupiter – Pluto Conjunc�onAs Saturn meets with Pluto and

challenges changes within, changes wemay ini�ally struggle with, Jupitercomes up behind in sidereal Sagi�ariusas the voice of reason, delving deep tofind our s�ll voice within, connec�ngour subjec�ve truth (Sagi�arius) withobjec�ve reality (Capricorn). Jupitertransits Sagi�arius and Capricorn in2020, moving back and over thesesigns during the year.This means Jupiter will stay with

Pluto for most of 2020, as they movethrough the last degrees of Sagi�ariusand first degrees of Capricorn. It seemsthere is more digging to do and s�llmore faul�ng thinking to ques�on.The last conjunc�on of Jupiter and

Pluto occurred in December 2007, andfor a brief period, right before thefinancial crash of 2008. Jupiterrepresents growth, while Plutorepresents decay. In 2020, theirconjunc�on remains close from Marchun�l November; longer than usual dueto their retrograde transits. WhenJupiter’s subsequent conjunc�on withSaturn in December 2020 is consideredwe will likely see a global recessionwhich changes the way economies arerun; perhaps even a complete reset ofthe financial system.We are also likely to see advice from

all kinds of sources that are not alwayson point, or even well-inten�oned.Pluto’s influence on Jupiter will darkenits quali�es, leading to a lack of claritydue to previous bad decisions. It’s as ifour choices have come home to roost,while future decisions will be impactedthrough forcing the issues.

If we cannot take the �me to slowlyprocess and listen to our own innerguidance, and completely reset ourinten�ons - and a�en�on - we arelikely to feel swayed by louder voicesthat may seem like they know whatthey are talking about. But alas, theydo not always know best. And even ifthey do, it is always best to listen toyour intui�on, anyway; a keysignifica�on of Jupiter.A further breakdown of order can

open up the possibility of deeperinsights, of course, as we peerthrough the cracks that has formed inthe fabric of society, but we must beon guard that we are not respondingthrough fear when making anydecisions and take a moment toconnect with ourselves, in s�llness.Jupiter’s conjunc�on with Pluto

occurs in Capricorn for the most part,reflec�ng a need to get on with whatneeds to be done, once the decisionshave been made. Thankfully, Saturn’spresence cancels Jupiter’s debilita�onwhich usually shows up in a lack ofguidance. This may mean we stronglysense a lack of order and moralbehaviour, and then seek them out.Ac�ons speak louder than words in

Capricorn, so if you can lend a helpinghand to those in need you will beserving the signs’ interests muchbe�er than detaching from the world.Ac�ons allow us to channel the workof Capricorn, while Pluto, Saturn andJupiter’s transit will guide us in whatneeds to be cleared out in theprocess.

Many commentatorsspeak about a new religionand culture replacingtradi�onal religions

Jupiter will stay with Plutofor most of 2020, as theymove through the lastdegrees of Sagi�arius andfirst degrees of Capricorn

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Saturn-Jupiter Conjunc�onAs if 2020 hadn’t had enough going

on, along comes another majorconjunc�on, on December 21. Thisoccurs just as Jupiter passes its exactdegree of debilita�on (5° Capricorn)and meets with the sign’s ruler,Saturn. Although Saturn cancelsJupiter’s debilita�on, when theyoccupy the same degree in the zodiacthey are placed in a ‘planetary war’.Although Saturn is strong in its ownsign, and wins the war by someaccounts, there is a hidden strengthto Jupiter that is not obvious from theoutset.In the days a�er Jupiter meets with

Saturn on the Sols�ce, it will enterthe Pisces division on Christmas Day,which is from 6° 40’ to 10° 00’ ofCapricorn. Vedic astrologer KomillaSu�on teaches about these degreesin terms of spiritually enrichingplacements for planets, despite theapparent outward indica�on ofweakness. Although at first glanceone would consider Jupiter weaklyplaced in Capricorn, there is a deeplyembodied faith in an underlying orderin the universe.I think Jupiter will send us all

through a lot of ups and downs inrela�on to our faith, or a lack thereof,in the coming years, especially in thelead up to Jupiter’s conjunc�on withSaturn by the end of 2020. But then,as Jupiter enters this auspicioussec�on of Capricorn, there is anopportunity to tune into a deepersense of faith, even when all seemslost in the world.

There is anopportunity to tuneinto a deeper sense offaith, even when allseems lost in theworldThe world will likely experience a

sense of foreboding at the Sols�ce inDecember 2020, perhaps through arecession, and a need to deal withthe prac�cali�es of life that make itseem as if there is a lack of moremeaningful things to talk about.In �mes of hardship, it is easier toget through it when you believe insomething more meaningful; thatyour life has purpose and you arehere for more than making moneyand working hard. You may need thisreminder come the end of 2020.

Uranus in Aries: AConflic�ng ImpulseAs we venture onward, and upward

towards the peak that is Capricorn,there is a challenge we must meethead on that may create conflict; thatis, Uranus transi�ng Aries. This isbecause Uranus and Aries promoteindividuality, while Saturn andCapricorn demand universality. Bybeing in a square aspect to eachother it makes it may feel like thesenaturally contras�ng quali�es areeven more contrasted, e.g. you maywant something personally, but maybe aware of its impact on others orthe environment.The first lunar mansion and division

of Aries is called Aśvinī and issymbolised by a horse’s head, whilethe sign Aries itself is symbolised by aram’s head. Jumping head first intosomething is emphasised, as are anykind of risk-taking and adventure.Uranus in Aries is all aboutindividualism, freedom of choice anda youthful eagerness to get ahead,usually with li�le thought about howit impacts others.

Uranus in Aries as the individual egomay be seen to reflect the Prometheanimpulse and myth which Tarnas writesabout, and more obviously whileUranus transits Aries. This may beexpressed as ‘stealing fire from thegods’ from the Promethean myth,reflec�ng the individual need forpower, autonomy and renewal. This isalso expressed in the myth of Agni, thefire god of India. As Uranus transitssidereal Aries un�l 2025, individualsseek freedom from what constrictsthem, i.e. Saturn, including technologyand corpora�ons which a�empt toincrease their power at a �me thatsuggests they are also having torelinquish some.We are at a turning point in human

history, it seems, one that is full ofconflic�ng impulses; betweenindividual freedoms and universalconcerns.We can either rise to the challenge

and make the necessary adjustmentsor remain conflicted, projec�ng thisoutwardly onto others who may seemto only have their own interests inmind.We must be the change we want to

see in the world – and be that foreveryone.

Copyright © 2019 Gary O’Toole – allrights reserved

References

Behari, Bepin. Fundamentals ofVedic Astrology. (2nd ed.)Wisconsin: Lotus Press 2003.

Komilla Su�on (2019). Pushkara -Navamsha and Bhaga. [online]Komilla.com. Available at:h�ps://komilla.com/lib-pushkara-part-two.html.

Tarnas, Richard. The Passion of theWestern Mind. N.Y., Ballan�ne,1991.

Aries is where Saturn finds itselfdebilitated and is in stark contrast toSaturn’s goal in Capricorn; a long-term goal which takes everyone andeverything else into account.Astrologer Richard Tarnas, who

would like to rename Uranus,Prometheus, expresses therebelliousness of Uranus, or the‘Promethean impulse’, in his book,The Passion of the Western Mind as‘’restless, heroic, rebellious andrevolu�onary, individualis�c andinnova�ve, eternally seekingfreedom, autonomy, change and thenew", and Saturn as "conserva�ve,stabilising, controlling, domina�ng,that which seeks to sustain, order,contain and repress."We can see two dis�nct quali�es

between Saturn and Uranus(Prometheus) play out as Saturnenters Capricorn from 2020 to 2023and they transit in an angle from eachother. We must deal with thiscontrast and possible conflict in thecoming years, as a result.We’ve always had rebels and

iconoclas�c individuals threatening tobring down the establishment, so whyshould Uranus’ transit in Aries be anydifferent? Well, it is very much moreevident that this type ofrebelliousness is more extreme whenUranus transits Aries, a sign that is allabout personal choice, ambi�on andrisk-taking; a sign that is ruled by theplanet of war and figh�ng forindividual freedoms: Mars.

We’ve always had rebelsand iconoclas�c individualsthreatening to bring down theestablishment

Gary O'Toole has studied astrologysince 1996. He is the author ofCosmic Bodies: The AyurvedicAstrology Guide to Health & Well-Being and is a member of the Bri�shAssocia�on of Vedic Astrology. Hisreadings impart an empowered viewof life's cycles, pa�erns and trends,offered in Galway, Ireland andonline.

Jumping head first intosomething is emphasised,as are any kind of risk-taking and adventure.Uranus in Aries is all aboutindividualism

Pluto, Saturn & Jupiter in Capricorn