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Mars Pluto Connections

To understand the concept of Mars Pluto connections we first have to go back into the past for a moment.

In the early 80s a "new" approach of assessing major themes in a natal chart saw the light by the "invention" of the so-called "ZIP Code."

It was a method invented by Dr. Zipporah Dobyns (hence the name "ZIP Code") and further propagated by her daughter Maritha Pottenger, that made use of the so-called astrological alphabet.

The concept of the astrological alphabet is that astrology deals with twelve basic ways of being, twelve human drives and modes of operation that are all needed in this world.

These twelve sides of life are mirrored in the natal chart by a planet, a house and a sign.

So it is in the astrological alphabet that Mars, the 1st house and Aries all share the same principles (though they are NOT the same!).

Venus, the 2nd house and Taurus also share the same principles and this goes on for the other planets, signs and houses.

What the theory of the ZIP Code or astrological alphabet presents is that certain groups of planet/house/sign combinations share similar themes.

For example: Mars in Libra or Mars in the 7th house share the same principles. The 7th house is in mundane astrology a Libra house (whatever zodiac sign is on the cusp of the 7th house in the natal chart).

This system has been enhanced by German astrologers who developed their own system based on the same principles but they converted the signs and houses to their respective planetary rulers.

For example: Mars in Libra becomes a Mars/Venus theme because Venus always rules Libra. Mars in the 7th house too becomes a Mars/Venus theme because the 7th house is associated with Libra, which is ruled by Venus in mundane astrology.

Also, the ruler of the 1st house (in mundane astrology ruled by Mars because Mars always rules Aries and Aries is always the 1st sign in the natural order of the zodiac) in the 2nd house (in mundane astrology ruled by Venus as the ruler of Taurus) is another Venus-Mars analogy.

The more you find such analogies, affinities, themes or connections between two planets, the more this planetary combination becomes an important part of the natal chart and the life of the native.

To find out the connections or analogies between planets, we take especially into account:

• planets in zodiac signs
• planets in houses
• the aspects between planets (the tighter the stronger)
• the rulerships
• solstice points

Planets in houses are more important and powerful than the planets in the zodiac signs because they work on a more personal and individual level (we use the Topocentric house system which gives almost the same results as the Placidus house system).

When do we have Mars Pluto connections, affinities, themes or analogies?

In most cases, the following configurations are used (there are more though (!) but this would lead us too far and make it more complicated than necessary):

• Pluto in the 1st house
• Mars in the 8th house
• the ruler of the 1st house in the 8th house
• the ruler of the 8th house in the 1st house
• Mars in a close conjunction, square or opposition with Pluto (a tight sextile or trine counts too but in a minor way)
• Pluto at the solstice point of Mars
• Mars in Scorpio
• Pluto in Aries

When at least three of the above listed analogies or connections can be found in the natal chart, we have a very powerful Mars Pluto connection that will be felt and noticed in the character and life of the native.

What do Mars Pluto connections signify?

Mars and Pluto have similar archetypal qualities and characteristics.

Both can be intense; Mars is more acute, Pluto is more brooding and chronic because it rules a water sign.

Both are penetrating; Mars more direct and upfront, Pluto more behind the scenes/back.

Both are forceful and pushy; Mars more acute and intermittent while Pluto has more continuous stamina and (staying) power.

Hence, people who have this powerful connection are very energetic (often in a physical way) and full of drive.

Often too much so.

This connection represents the continuous urge to be busy, to do something, to be active -- even for the sake of it.

The downside can be a ruthless nature who is also too forceful and who neglects the boundaries of other people.

People having this connection are very independent and may have some talent or abilities that stuns others.

Obsessions or compulsive behavior can be theirs though.

In matters of love and romance, the native is highly attracted to an archetypal sexy man or woman.

In natal charts of men, this connection often suggests a very principled personality but also dutiful.

In a female chart, this connection tends to indicate incest or family abuse.

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