Going Deeper with Pluto
by Niklas Nihlen

The recent discovery of the “dwarf” planet 2003 UB313 is awakening and influencing man to the need for greater discernment and the exercise of his powers of discrimination. The energies of 2003 UB313 awakens in man the power to think and reason and to make more subtle distinctions, in order to cope with internal developments, as well as external developments, on earth, and in the heavens.

We see these same tendencies in the work of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which has been struggling for some time now with the recently discovered planetary bodies within our own solar system as well as around other stars. It is a struggle for an adequate terminology that will serve to create order and clearly define objects and help discriminate between them, so that we will know the one from the other.

It remains to be seen whether the suggested new definitions from the IAU will result in a beneficent organisation of the solar system--which the current trine from Jupiter to Uranus promises. It is interesting that this trine comes from Jupiter in Scorpio to Uranus in Pisces, and that these two signs are ruled by Pluto, which is being “demoted” according to the new IAU resolutions.

Uranus and Jupiter are also the rulers of Aquarius. It is possible that the energies of the new age of Aquarius are relegating the energies of Pisces and its ruler Pluto, to their rightful place, only to open for the greater inflow of energies from the Aquarian rulers; Uranus, Jupiter and the Moon (veiling certain influences).

As the Sun ingressed into the sign Virgo in conjunction with the great star Regulus (the "other Sun"), the IAU had their vote and decision about how to discriminate between all the bodies in the solar system. According to the resolutions made at the IAU assembly, Pluto is “demoted” from planetary status, and is now to be called a “dwarf” planet. These resolutions will give us only eight planets instead of nine as before.

Pluto is one of the active planets around the first initiation of Birth, and indeed its influence is strong with respect to humanity at this time as many (relatively speaking) among humanity are nearing or undergoing this Birth. It will be found that the relation of Virgo to eight signs has a definite bearing on these matters, and the nine united potencies play their part in developing the Christ life in the individual and in the mass of men. 1

It is also of interest to consider that Aquarius is the eighth sign from Virgo, and hence a sure sign of the coming Christ. The number eight is, under some numerical systems, also regarded as a number of the Christ, which may be our hope--"Christ in you the hope of glory."

We may not have heard the last word on this, however, knowing that Pluto does not give up so easily in battle, but has the power to regenerate itself and make a come-back, much like the Phoenix. Humanity has certainly not conquered the realm of Pluto yet, and in this day and age, atomic power is again coming to the fore, but hopefully not in the hands of subversive elements, as it almost did in the day when Pluto was discovered in 1930--at the midpoint between the two World Wars from 1914-1945.

As Pluto is being “demoted,” we are moving from nine planets to having only eight planets in the solar system. This fact, symbolically takes us back into the eighth sign Scorpio, which signals a new battle ahead of humanity. Hence, the movement from nine to eighth planets brings us back again to Pluto, which is ruling Scorpio together with Mars.

Mercury is the number eight and Mercury is also the hierarchical ruler in Scorpio and the "Messenger at the eighth gate." In line with the two great messengers--the Buddha and the Christ--Mercury informs us and directs us onto the Noble Eight-fold Path, which is the path of right relations--to God and to each other. The Noble Eight-fold Path:

1. Right Values
2. Right Speech
3. Right Mode of Living
4. Right Thinking
5. Right Aspiration
6. Right Conduct
7. Right Effort
8. Right Rapture or true Happiness.

* * * * *

It has recently been discovered that Pluto actually has three satellites. The satellites are found quite close to Pluto, something which surprised the discoverers. The outermost satellite Hydra, is only three arcseconds away as a maximum, and that maximum is primarily attained in declination orientation. Therefore the longitudinal coordinates we have for Pluto, will not differ much from those of the satellites, about 2-3 arcseconds if you safely want to include those satellites in the astrological “orb” of Pluto. Charon, the closest satellite, only strays 0.9 arcseconds as a maximum. They would be considered when you erect a 'Plutocentric' horoscope however.

The new satellites orbit in the same plane as Charon, which is orbiting in the equatorial plane of Pluto (tilted some 122 degrees to the ecliptic) and they have quite circular orbits. The rotation of Pluto about its own axis, is tidally locked with the orbit of Charon so that Pluto always shows the same face towards Charon. This seems to be an obsessive streak, or should we say that an issue with Pluto, is that we need to learn to “let go.”

The periods for Charon, Nix and Hydra around Pluto (or rather the common barycenter close to Pluto), are:

• Charon 6.4
• Nix ~25.5 (estimate)
• Hydra ~38.2 (estimate)

The discovery does make Pluto a quadruple system--where the number four relates to matter and form. It also relates to the Mother aspect and the Mother power--the Kundalini, coiled at the base. The number four puts Pluto squarely in relation to the Base of the Spine centre, with its four petals. These considerations also make clear the relation of Pluto to our Earth—a relation primarily established via our satellite, the Moon.

Esoterically speaking, the four arms of the Mutable Cross are governed by the Moon, Earth, Pluto and Venus. It is through a consideration of these forces and energies that an understanding of the whole story about the redemption of form may come about. Interestingly, Pluto has to introduce man to his dweller, but later to release him from its hold. Pluto thus will have to sever the Moon from the Earth--the corpse of its past, old, habitual tendencies and failures. Later then, Venus is able to reunite freely the two on higher turn of the spiral.

NASA is now intending to go back to the Moon as a preliminary and preparatory step towards Mars--the alter ego of Pluto. If this means a going backwards or forwards, or both, we shall see. But probably humanity is not given so much leeway in certain of these matters. We also have the New Horizons project,that involves sending probes to Pluto for the first time. It was launched on January 19, 2006, and the probe has now passed the orbit of Mars and will make its closest approach to Jupiter on February 28, 2007. The arrival and flyby of the Pluto system is expected around summer of 2015.

The names given to the recently discovered moons of Pluto, come as no surprise to astrologers I think. Pluto's moons are now known as Charon, Nix and Hydra--or death, darkness and dweller--three 'd's (d=4). These names therefore further elaborate and clarify the realm of Pluto as we know it in terms of astrology.

These names also rival the names of the satellites of Mars--the alter ego of Pluto. Mars’ satellites (to which it has no right by the way) are named Phobos and Deimos--or Fear and Terror.

Pisces is the last arm of the Mutable Cross--which Cross consists of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Pluto is the esoteric ruler of Pisces and is in that last arm, indicating a point of synthesis for the whole Mutable Cross, like Pluto is surrounded by the three satellites. We therefore find an interesting correspondence between these four arms and the quadruple system of Pluto:

Pisces - Pluto, Lord of Death and Resurrection and ruler of the Underworld.

Gemini - Charon, the Ferryman of Souls across the river Styx or Acheron. He is the son of Nyx and was depicted as a cranky, skinny old man or a winged demon with a double hammer.

Virgo - Nix, the dark robed Goddess of the Night.

Sagittarius - Hydra, the Dragon with the Nine heads.

It's been said that we should “name our demons”--this being a preliminary step of recognition, before being able to conquer them. Well, we have just named two more demons, so I guess this means the struggle is on, and we have to do battle to conquer and become triumphant...

* * * * *

Let us further try to understand Pluto by placing him within the planetary wheel, thereby recognising the challenges presented to Humanity through Pluto at this time.

Those who have truly known and experienced the energies of Pluto, will ever recognise their potency and significance, regardless of Pluto's exoteric stature. The matter of interest concerning Pluto's demotion, has more to do with the attitude of humanity (as represented by the astronomers) towards the planet, and how that attitude may reflect developments within the fourth kingdom.

Now, when considering the wheel of twelve basic energies, let us here remember that due to the astral reversion of the great illusion, the seven major and five minor energies have become the five major and seven minor energies in the wheel of the lesser zodiac. From one perspective, this is symbolically portrayed for us in the planetary house rulerships.

The seven minor energies of the lesser zodiac:

1st house.................Aries..................Mars

2nd house................Taurus................Venus

3rd house.................Gemini...............Mercury

4th house.................Cancer...............Moon

5th house..................Leo....................Sun

6th house..................Virgo..................Mercury

7th house..................Libra...................Venus

As we can see from the above, the first seven and minor planetary houses are all governed by the more personal planets, these being limited to the inner parts of the solar system; Sun, Mercury, Venus, Moon and Mars.

It is the planet Pluto, however, which opens the gate into the five major energies and houses of the lesser zodiac:

8th house.................Scorpio...................Pluto

9th house.................Sagittarius..............Jupiter

10th house...............Capricorn................Saturn

11th house...............Aquarius.................Uranus

12th house................Pisces...................Neptune

We see here how Pluto, as ruler of the eighth house, truly ends the personal sphere, and thus initiates a reorientation, whilst opening up to the higher and more transpersonal houses ruled by the giant gas planets.

In terms of the Crosses, this is related to the process of reorientation within a certain percentage of humanity--a reorientation leading away from the wheel of form and onto the wheel of consciousness. It is the restoration of values and proportions and the establishment of right direction.

It is after all Pluto that governs the eighth house of major separations and of death, and it is becoming increasingly active now towards the end of the Piscean age. The current focus given to Pluto, relates to the process of discrimination as recognised by many esotericists. We are partaking in the process in order to reveal to ourselves our true nature and standing--and whether or not, or to what extent, we are going down the drain with Pisces or are filling up and pouring forth the fresh waters of Aquarius. It is a battle between the old and the new, the high and the low, within each and every one of us.

Thus we are all dying by the sword of Pluto, and at the same time we are all being reborn unto a new age of wonders.

* * * * *

With all the recent discoveries made by science, we may well pose the question, "How will all these discoveries be handled by the esoteric teachings, having in mind that the third installment for the Aquarian age is relatively imminent?"

What I do feel will happen is that a new model and understanding of the solar atom will be presented--a new order and structure will be given that will reveal many things; astronomically, astrologically and psychologically. It will relate and place all the many points in their proper place, so that the whole is seen as One.

We shall see, and I mean this literally, because when etheric vision becomes a reality, we shall indeed see the true relationships and the flow of effective energies before our very eyes and instruments. Maybe this will finally lead to the discovery of the intra-mercurial planet Vulcan, which has so far eluded us, admittedly never being an exoteric ruler.

Maybe it will be said that Pluto in its rulership actually veils certain energies and influences, just as it has been stated that the Sun and the Moon currently veil certain influences and undiscovered planets. Maybe certain new planets will be assigned rulerships within the wheel as well.

There are many kinds of planetary bodies in the solar system. The Tibetan tells us in A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, pp. 793-94, that:

The entire solar sphere is full of such bodies, characterised by the same features as are the seven and the ten, and each of them in some degree has an effect upon the whole. Figures, therefore, cannot be considered as final until the effect of the lesser planetary bodies upon their immediate neighbours is known, and the extent of their planetary radiation has been gauged. There are more than 115 such bodies to be reckoned with, and all are at varying stages of vibratory impulse. They have definite orbits, they turn upon their axis, they draw their "life" and substance from the sun, but owing to their relative insignificance, they have not been considered as factors of moment. This attitude of mind will change when etheric vision is a fact, and the reality of the existence of an etheric double of all that is in manifestation will be recognised by scientists. This fact will be demonstrated towards the close of the century and during the early part of the next century a revolution in astronomical circles will occur which will result in the study of the "etheric planets". As these bodies are organs of energy, permeating the dense form, the study of the interaction of solar energy, and the occult "give and take" of planetary bodies will assume a new significance.

These are the matters and insights that will lead to a surer ground when it comes to the organization of the solar system and the various definitions of the heavenly bodies. I would say that a revolution has taken place already when it comes to the discovery of the great multitude of bodies found within our own solar system, and that this is now spreading also to other extra-solar systems.

However, we still have to come to the recognition of the etheric double of all that is in manifestation. In general, an understanding of the etheric medium and the flow of the energies, should make it possible for astrology again to become the reputable science it inherently is.

The time-schedule for the facts in this prophecy to be demonstrated, may have to be adjusted somewhat, before we will see the revolution in astronomical circles hinted at. I think it has now begun, and will further precipitate as Uranus ingresses and transits the sign of Aries.

* * * * *

Concerning the rays of Pluto, the Tibetan has given us the first ray of Will and Power for Pluto. As Pluto is a non-sacred planet, this gives us the hint that the first ray in this case is the expression of the personality ray of Pluto. I would guess however that the obsessive tendencies in Pluto are generated by a combination of the rays one and six, thus probably making the sixth ray the soul ray of Pluto. In a way, the recent demotion of Pluto could be seen as a way to disengage from the unhealthy expressions and terrible vices of this R6/R1 combination.

Pluto is transiting the sign of Sagittarius--the Archer, and the "upward pointing arrow," is the esoteric symbol for Pluto, a fact which closely relates Pluto with the sign Sagittarius. This is interesting for many reasons, but here primarily because Sagittarius is the foremost representative of the sixth ray triangle of signs--thus again linking Pluto strongly with the sixth ray. Sidereally, Pluto is presently transiting the 13th constellation of Ophiuchus--the Serpent Bearer, and Pluto is actually right now in Serpens Cauda--the Tail of the Serpent, which is held by Ophiuchus. Serpens Cauda can be seen as an area of rejection, and hence the recent demotion of Pluto.

Much due to its northern latitude, Pluto only briefly passed through the constellation of Scorpius in 1997-98, and has after that spent approximately nine years in the Serpent Bearer, only to ingress the constellation of Sagittarius in 2007. The ingress into Sagittarius will most likely prove to be a very volatile period for humanity, as Pluto--the arrow--is then re-charging the bow of the “trigger happy” Archer, who may “fire at will.” The arrows of ancient archers may have been upgraded to long-distance missiles, but it is the same basic idea, only now, the tip of the arrow may be a nuclear war-head. In ancient astrology, Sagittarius is treated as a most hostile, aggressive and warring sign, and Pluto certainly can stir and activate this instinct on a mass scale when Pluto makes its ingress there. Pluto will actually travel through Sagittarius all the way up to the year of 2024 when the ingress into the constellation of Capricornus will occur, and the centennial conclave will take place.

Now coming back to the obsessive tendencies of Pluto, I would say the diagnosis of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) can possibly be attributed to Pluto, and its rays one and six, with the addition of a very persistent seventh ray, due to a ceremonial and ritualistic urge, which is needed in order to cope with the delusional and fixated thoughts of certain irresistible subconscious patterns. This could well imply the presence of the fifth and the seventh ray with Pluto.

With this in mind, we may add that Pluto has a very profound connection with the third or Mother aspect. Pluto was discovered in the sign of Cancer, and it is Pluto which severs the chord and eventually separates us from the hold of the Mother, thus releasing the child into its own right of inheritance and life. Pluto is the ruler of the Pisces hierarchy, associated with the third ray and Intelligent substance. This profound connection with the third aspect also makes it possible for Pluto to become a vessel for the unredeemed karma from the first solar system of Intelligence. This concern the primitive and unprincipled matter found in the depths of the solar system—material that has to be lifted into the light and brought under the regime and conscious rulership of the solar lord in this 2nd system of Love and Wisdom. Theseare some indications that the third ray of Active Intelligence may actually be the major ray of Pluto. The planet may have a secondary monadic expression along the line of intelligence--through R5/R7.

Hypothetical ray formula for Pluto:

• Monad THREE, subsidiary SEVEN - Intelligence expressed through Magic
• Soul VI - Devotion and Idealism
• Personality 1 - Will and Power

At least we should hereby have established the connection to the Pleiades. If we are correct in this hypothesis, we will note that Pluto is somewhat the reverse of our planet the Earth, which is given a first ray monad, a second ray soul and a third ray personality. Below you will find some further reasoning on Pluto in relation to the 7th ray, from an earlier posting, that may shed some light.

* * * * *

Concerning the Rays of Pluto

I'd like to share the observation that Pluto often acts as an exponent of
the seventh ray in horoscopes. Back in the day, Charles Jayne noted this planet Pluto as "a planet of the Mother", and we have recognised Pluto for some time as an exponent of the Pleiades (which is also true for the recently discovered planetoid Sedna). We therefore recognise its relation to matter and form 'regardless' of the seventh ray.

Pluto is also connected with the Base of the Spine centre. Hence it is also
related to serpents and the Serpent power. Pluto ever deals with the lowest,
such as the chaotic forces of the Mother--the Dragon in the deep. Indeed, we
all have to become slayers of the Dragon--the unruly and unredeemed forces
of the deep. Once in control and perfected, the Dragons of Wisdom will find
entrance into the Buddhic dimension of the Pleiades.

In a way, the seventh ray requires both Uranus and Pluto as its agents. The Word of Power of the seventh ray is "the Highest and the Lowest Meet". Uranus is "the Heavenly One" and Pluto is "the Lord of the Underworld" and hence Uranus is the Highest and Pluto is the Lowest--together they connect Heaven and Earth (and between the two is the ideal--the planet Neptune).

Pluto is the seventh planet out from the Earth and Edgar Cayce (before the discovery and naming of Pluto in 1930) called it Septimus (meaning the seventh in Latin).

Here is a brief list on what Pluto has in common with the 7th Ray. This may
help us see the presence of the seventh ray with Pluto...

Pluto and Ray Seven:

1. Pluto is a Healer

2. Pluto has magical powers

3. Pluto has the power to raise the dead to life

4. Pluto lifts to life

5. Pluto has the power to elevate matter

6. Pluto has the power to raise the subterranean powers

7. Pluto drags to the surface

8. Pluto is the Expression of the Will

9. Pluto has to do with Nuclear power and Radiation

10. Pluto relates the Base and Head or Heaven and Earth

11. Pluto has the power to make "the Highest and the Lowest Meet"

12. Pluto wanders into the deepest depths immersed in chaos and disorder

13. Pluto is the worker in the farthest world

14. Pluto has the power to work with the devas and elemental forces

15. Pluto gives orientation to the forces of the deep

16. Pluto has the power to synthesize all that has to do with form

17. Pluto gives earthly consummation

18. Pluto is the Lord of Death

19. Pluto has the power to retire into the silence and attune to the whole

20. Pluto listens and attunes to the throbbing and rhythmic pulse of life

21. Pluto connects the world of form with formless life

22. Pluto has the power of Renovation

23. Pluto has the power of Transformation

24. Pluto has the power to transform the highest ideals into practical
expression

25. Pluto has the power to Restructure the Pattern of human culture and
development

26. Pluto is able to wield the Words of Power

27. Pluto is also the name of a Disney cartoon character

28. Pluto also has to do with perversion of the magical process; raising of
the subterranean powers, sex magic, addiction to occult phenomena,
spiritualism etc.

* * * * *

The seventh ray planet Uranus is the most elevated planet in the discovery chart of Pluto. It is powerfully placed in the sign Aries, and is a ruler of all the four angles (Leo, Libra, Aquarius and Aries) in the chart. It is the planet of change, on the seventh ray, the Ray of Ceremonial Order and Magic. The seventh ray links the Highest and the Lowest; the head and the base much like Pluto. In the horoscope, Uranus is symbolically aided in this anchoring work by Mercury, setting on the descendant. Mercury is a Manipulator of the Wand and a Keeper of the Magical Word. He is also the star of conflict, and it is Mercury that leads the soul into the underworld of Pluto.

Pluto was first discovered by Clyde Tombaugh on February 18, 1930 in Flagstaff, Arizona, around 4 pm MST. This gives a horoscope with Leo rising and the Sun in the 8th house in the last degree of Aquarius. From this, we find that Pluto's energy will direct us to a deeper understanding of the Self and the Not-self. It is leading us through powerful transformational changes in this process.

The discovery chart also has the Moon in Scorpio, implying the death process and the shedding of the skin we may experience. Pluto itself, is in Cancer in the twelfth house, where it un-earths within matter, form and humanity, the deeply hidden factors and complexes that we need to review, in order to release ourselves and others--including the little ones and the prisoners of the planet.

The angular t-square between Chiron/Node-Mars/Mercury-Moon, bring out a lot of conflict, cruelty, pain and suffering for the masses of humanity. In the last analysis, it is serving to bring about a greater understanding of self and the relation of that self to others; transforming mass-consciousness into self-consciousness, and self-consciousness into group consciousness.

The exoteric status of Pluto is undergoing change at this time. The decision to “demote” Pluto seems part of this transformational process that will teach us a joint set of true values. The voting and decision was taken as the transiting Sun conjuncted radical Neptune in Virgo in the second house and thus set off the opposition to radical Sun in the eighth.

With Leo rising, Neptune is the veiled esoteric ruler of the chart. We find this Neptune in Virgo in opposition to the Sun in Aquarius, which clearly points out that the work of Pluto is ever to transform the values of humanity into more spiritual values in line with a higher will. It removes the obstacles and deepens the reach of the Christ energies into the multitude. There in the dormant reaches of the kingdom, it serves the development of the inner child, as it stirs the mind and quickens the hearts of men everywhere.

Here, on the eve of the age of Pisces, and the dawning of Aquarius, Pluto destroys the dead old forms, clearing the path for the greater influx of the fresh and living waters of Aquarius.

1. Alice Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, Lucis Publishing Company, p. 265