posted November 30, 2002 09:48 PM              

It is likely that the issue is that transiting Pluto is conjunct her natal Neptune, and squaring her natal Saturn Retrograde, yet this second transit is minor compared to the first. Noted astrologer Rob Hand, in his popular book Planets in Transit, has this to say of the first transit...

This transit signifies a period of very deep inward transformation that will be reflected in changed ideals, goals and other aspects of your world view. You may also work harder than ever to bring about in reality an ideal that you have held for years; however, you will have to give up a great deal to accomplish this, and you will not receive much ego-reinforcement at this time, even if you are successful.

You will find it necessary to question very deeply many beliefs you have held as a matter of course all your life. You may become disoriented as you discover that you have been living under illusions. But at least you will not be alone, for this is one of the transits that affects everyone in one age group at about the same time. In fact, the need to change your ideals may come through your own peer group. It would be a good idea to discuss this with someone who is much older or younger who is not suffering the effects of this transit, in order to get a better perspective on what is happening to you. If you begin psychotherapy now, which is quite possible, you should not choose a therapist of your own age. (Carlo: I would add that she is likely hearing similar feelings from her friends, and may say this to you, as in "Well, Ciara quit school, and Liam just quit his job...", so likely her friends and peers are doing similar. She is simply reacting as many kids the world over are reacting to this particular transit)

Hand goes on: "Many elements of your life - relationships, job situations, places - may pass away now, but this is only a reflection of the profound changes taking place within you. After this transit is over you may find it hard to recognize the person you were before. Whatever you chose to do, it would be a good idea to study a subject that will give you greater understanding about your life. Astrology, the occult, metaphysics or even depth psychology might serve this purpose (Carlo: in other words, Neptunian things). But don't get lost in abstractions. Make sure that what you learn has real consequences in your everyday life, because you have great needs there that should be met. Also your studies should give you very deep understanding. Nothing superficial would help you at this time."

I am not going to type the whole explanation of Pluto Square Saturn, yet I will provide some of the phrases and keywords that he uses in his description of this transit...

"withstand severe challenges to your way of life as it is set up now...

the dynamics for change...

forces that seem to push against you...

enormous expenditure of energy...

strive forward and reach new heights...

The best course, which you will be least inclined to take, is to openly and honestly examine all aspects of your life and voluntarily give up whatever you don't really need - those things that make you feel secure but do not aid your personal evolution. If you don't do this voluntarily, circumstances will do it for you...(Carlo: in other words, Pluto on her Neptune now for much longer will see to it for sure, if she doesn't do it under the shorter Saturn transit)

It doesn't have to be a fruitless struggle, unless you try to hold on blindly to everything as it is now."

***

So...help her to let go, as she sees fit, to those things that she choses to let go, and avoid entirely any encouragement for her to keep things the way they are. Intuitively, she knows what needs to go...so you have to help her facilitate a feeling of being comfortable enough to do so. She is a Cappy, she'll come out just fine...yet help her create an atmosphere conducive to letting go and allowing the changes to manifest, and you will serve her better than you may possibly imagine right now.

Saturn will be done with her this Winter, like end of February. The first transit, however, Pluto Square Neptune, is the most potent and significant, and will go on throughout 2003 for her too...Pluto goes retrograde in March at 19° Sag, crosses over 18° Sag (her natal Neptune is 18° Sag) all Summer, then goes Direct at 17° Sag in August, to make its final pass over 18° Sag next Fall...she should feel it disperse by next Christmas or so. So she has a year to sort things out, let go what she needs to let go, and you can help her do this, since now you know how