Venus square Pluto: beware power struggles

On 6 September Venus squares Pluto, a transit that typically creates obsessive, manipulative and unhealthy power dynamics in relationships. Under this transit resentments that have been bubbling under the surface may emerge in rather unpleasant and often passive aggressive ways. Like lancing a boil this may be for the best in the long term but in the moment such behaviours can be very hurtful and repairs may have to be made in the aftermath.

Fortunately, on the same day Venus is also trine with Jupiter. Venus trine Jupiter brings generosity of spirit, openness and benevolence into our relationships. Also on the same day Mars trines Pluto – great for make up sex! Mars trine Pluto is also an energetic and focused energy so any heavy and physical tasks that need to be done can be absolutely smashed out under the influence of this transit and could be a good way to channel frustration or anger brought up by the square between Venus and Pluto.

Venus square Pluto is a brief but very potent transit which could really pack a punch in the relationship department. We will be confronted by the tension between our personal ambitions and the goals of our relationships. Prioritising these competing needs may be difficult and could cause conflict. Fortunately Venus is in Libra, the sign of her rulership, which will make it much easier to reach a compromise rather than end up in a stalemate.

However, with Pluto in Capricorn you may find it difficult to back down from things you feel strongly about. This may put you at odds with others as you may put your views across so forcefully that you come across as pushy or controlling. Naturally you may encounter resistance or resentment from those around you.

On the other hand you may come into contact with someone who is determined to push you into something you’re not comfortable with. In such a case avoid going into battle during the entire Venus square Pluto transit. Withdraw and take some time to consider your position before acting. You may find that everyone is more reasonable once the transit is over.

During Venus square Pluto there may be a strong desire to be in control and to gain success in your endeavours. You may even find yourself sacrificing the needs of others in order to achieve your goals. Bear in mind that when this transit ends you will come to realise how important the contributions of others are to the process and may regret alienating the very people who would be your allies.

Extremes are very likely during Venus square Pluto so watch your step and remain conscious. Just because it seems like a good idea in the heat of the moment doesn’t mean it’s normal or ok behaviour. Observe yourself and if you see yourself falling into the trap of trying to manipulate someone to get your way then ask yourself whether the issue at hand is more important than the relationship. Then act accordingly.

You’ll probably feel intensely passionate about others during Venus square Pluto, on the one hand fixating on someone you’re into to the point of obsession while on the other experiencing a powerful dislike or even hate. It’s all or nothing with Venus square Pluto. It will probably be difficult to remain neutral so if you’re personally affected avoid getting involved in other people’s disputes, especially when one of the parties is a person close to you.

Venus is Pluto can also bring up issues around power and control in your relationships. Power struggles, passive aggression and manipulative behaviours that have simmered beneath the surface may come bubbling up, creating conflict and tension between you and a loved one. Be aware of the fact that your ability to compromise and to see the other person’s point of view lie at the heart of resolving these issues.

The key to Venus square Pluto is to stand firm on the things that really matter while letting go of the little things that really don’t. You can use this energy to reconfigure relationships that have become unbalanced in the power department, but don’t let the potential of Venus square Pluto to create conflict turn your relationships into a war zone.

How will Venus square Pluto affect you?

Those with planets or points between 21 and 27 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) will be most affected by Venus square Pluto. Pay attention also to which houses these planets will be transiting in your chart, as this will tell you where the action will be playing out most in your life.

To get started applying this forecast to your own life, grab a free birth chart at astro.com and download my free ebook The Language of Astrology.

Venus square Pluto and your relationships

Venus square Pluto has the potential to create tension between ourselves and our loved ones, with power clashes and conflict very likely. Are you personally affected by Venus square Pluto? How do you see this energy playing out for you?