The History of Pluto in Aquarius (1777-1798)
The History of Pluto in Aquarius (1777-1798)
Pluto was in Aquarius from 1777 to 1798. It transited the sign for about 22 years. During these years, Uranus transited from Gemini to Virgo (4 signs), while Neptune transited from Virgo to Scorpio (3 signs).
For astrological purposes, Pluto agrees with the fixity of Aquarius, but does not feel too welcome in such sign once Scorpio squares Aquarius, and the sign is ruled by Pluto in modern terms. Pluto prefers the deep sensations rather than the cold logic Aquarian energy brings to the table. There is a slight sense that going deep is illogical and time wasting, as Aquarius are rather detached people with an experimental and lucid mindset that feeling things too intense seems feeble or inefficient. But wanting or not, Aquarius will have do dive deep in order to discover new things. Innovation comes from deep thoughts, feelings, sensations, ideas etc. Pluto brings deep and once and for all transformation, powerful and significant changes to the world in general or sometimes just “local” by the moment that was.
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A bizarre Name and New “Discovery”
The year 1778 (January 18th) Captain James Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands and named them the Sandwich Islands; a very bizarre name for an island. It was the first European person to make contact with the Hawaiian Islands. Saturn is classical ruler of Aquarius, in the myth; the Chronos is sent to an Island in order to retired and have its own land to rule.
→ Pluto was back at 29° degrees Capricorn. That day, the Sun was conjunct Pluto. Pluto is the last planet in the solar system, as if the Sun had illuminated the unknown and mysterious Island and people could see it from now on.
Countries making New Friends
Still the year of 1778 (February 6th) France formally recognized the United States as an independent nation and allied with them against Britain during the American Revolution. Aquarius rules the groups of people with the same or alike mindset; also it rules friends and independency to a high level.
→ Pluto was at 0° degree Aquarius, in the same sign transiting Sun-Mercury-Venus was. It was also a solar month of Sun-Jupiter opposition. When the Sun aligns with Jupiter, expect recognition of one’s expansion.
Anti-Everything
In the year 1780 (July 2nd) the Gordon Riots occurred in London, a week-long anti-Catholic riot that caused significant damage and loss of life. Aquarius prefers to rebel against the norm instead of joining an idea they consider groundless. The riots were sparked by opposition to a proposed law to extend some civil rights to Catholics, who at the time were heavily discriminated against in England.
→ Pluto was sextile by Saturn in Sagittarius. The chart has also a Mars-Uranus conjunction. Mars fights and with Uranus that could mean fight for something they rebel against, a riot.
New Form to Rule a Nation
In 1781 (March 1st) the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, were ratified by all 13 states; a new form of government was rising. “I do not conceive that we can exist long as a nation without a power which will pervade the whole union.” – George Washington. It was created by a specific group of people with different ideas put together. Aquarius is idealistic and rules Union of Nations/People.
→ Pluto was in the same sign as Venus. In the same chart, Mars is conjunct Saturn in Sagittarius opposition Uranus in Gemini. Pluto was also being square by the Nodes in Taurus-Scorpio axis. It was a time of significant change for all. USA is considered nowadays one of the most powerful countries in the world, concerning the criteria of economic strength, military power, diplomatic influence, cultural influence, and technological advancements.
New Technology in the Air/Sky
In 1783 (June 4th) the Montgolfier brothers successfully launched the first hot air balloon in France.
→ Pluto was together with Jupiter in Aquarius trine Sun in Gemini. Both Pluto and Jupiter were thus in Air signs. The chart also has Saturn-Uranus opposition signature, a technological innovation would come about concerning the air, people, transportation and entertainment. Humans could now go ahead of the mountains towards the skies; Uranus in the myth is the god of the sky.
A Revolution Begins – The Quest for Liberty, Equality & Fraternity
The significant year of 1789 (July 14th) the French Revolution began with the storming of the Bastille. Aquarius won’t rest until their have their ends met, until then they will look for the most rebellious way to revolutionize, they need freedom and brotherhood/friendship is important. The monarchy was overthrown (Saturn) and a republic set up based on the ideas of ‘Liberté, égalité, fraternité’ (the French for liberty, equality and brotherhood). It was about bringing together collective ideas for the ordinary people.
→ Pluto in Aquarius was opposite Venus-Jupiter-Uranus in Leo. That day the Moon had entered Aries, thus it would for the next 2 days first trine the Leo Stellium then sextile Pluto. In the chart Mars was in Gemini sextile the Leo Stellium and Pluto in Aquarius by sign. As if the people were stimulated to achieve their higher standards, concerning freedom and civil rights.
A Reign of Terror & the 12 Men Group
In 1793 (September 5th) The Reign of Terror began in France, a period of extreme violence and political repression. Such period was marked by mass executions of “enemies of the revolution,” including political opponents, clergy, and nobles. It was led by the Committee of Public Safety, a group of twelve men who were given broad powers to defend the revolution against its enemies.
→ Pluto was opposite by Uranus in Leo. It was a Grand T-Square activated by Jupiter in Scorpio. It was the year of Saturn-Jupiter opposition. It was also the day of a Solar Eclipse in Virgo. In the chart we notice a violent Mars-Saturn square. Forces and power struggle were on demand, who would rule decisions on the land? A sort of tug-of-war took place.
The Year Pluto Began Changing from Aquarius to Pisces
In 1798 (July 14th) the Alien and Sedition Acts were passed in the United States, limiting the rights of immigrants and restricting freedom of speech.
→ In the year of 1798 was the last year of Pluto in Aquarius. But in this event we see Pluto in immigrant Pisces the same sign as Mars was, but Pluto didn’t yet leave Aquarius until December that year. In this chart we take notice on the Mars-Uranus opposition in the Pisces-Virgo. The Alien Acts authorized the president to deport any non-citizen he deemed dangerous to the country, while the Sedition Act made it a crime to publish “false, scandalous, or malicious” statements against the federal government or its officials. It was a Mercury-Saturn conjunction along with a New Moon in Cancer. Saturn restricts the speeches from Mercury. The acts consisted of four separate laws, three of which were focused on immigration and the fourth on freedom of speech.
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Observe that during the last period since Pluto was in Aquarius about 247 years ago, powerful changes concerning human rights, major revolutions and new technologies took place. I’ve only noted a few of the historical events. What other events would you consider a Pluto in Aquarius strong signature in a chart of the past?
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Xoxo
JD
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Resources:
image above: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Riots#/media/File:Charles_Green13.jpg
