Pluto in Astrology: Meaning, Influence, Rule & More

Co-authored by Angel Eyedealism and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: August 30, 2024 Fact Checked

Pluto is the planet of transformation, destruction, and renewal. Whenever this planet shows up in your birth chart, it tends to intensify everything around it. However, Pluto is not all about death and struggle—it offers lots of opportunities for growth and rebirth. To learn all about this fascinating outlier of the solar system and what it means for your chart, read on!

Pluto in Astrology

In Astrology, Pluto represents transformation and finding your own power. It rules the 8th house, and its placement in a birth chart indicates where you look for deeper meaning in your life. Pluto also rules the zodiac sign Scorpio and is responsible for their mysterious qualities.

Section 1 of 5:

What does Pluto represent in astrology?

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Pluto represents transformation and renewal. Sometimes, Pluto causes changes that are so sudden or dramatic, they feel like they're destructive. Think illnesses, betrayals, disease, setbacks, or even death. Many of these changes are challenges that you can work through, so it's not all bad news. ^{[1]
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- For example, maybe you'll experience a sudden illness that changes your outlook on life or inspires you to reconnect with loved ones.
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Pluto governs power itself. Astrologers put a lot of emphasis on the struggles and challenges that Pluto rules, but Pluto is ultimately about finding your power. This might mean confrontation between people, or reinventing yourself so you're stronger.
- Since Pluto is far from the Sun, it's energy isn't as intense as planets that are closer. However, you can't ignore Pluto's subtle power and influence in your life.

Section 2 of 5:

What house does Pluto naturally rule?

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Pluto naturally rules the Eighth House. Although you may have Pluto in another house, it naturally rules the Eighth House which is known as the house of sex, death, and rebirth. Its placement in your chart signals where you search for truth and deeper meaning in your life. ^{[2]
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- For instance, if you've got Pluto in your First House, the House of Self, it means you're probably driven to become powerful. You might have to get an education, work on your leadership skills, or make sacrifices in your personal life, but you might earn that power that defines you.

Section 3 of 5:

What zodiac sign does Pluto rule?

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Pluto rules Scorpio. Pluto is responsible for a lot of Scorpio’s mysterious qualities. Scorpios are drawn to the unknown and they love the thrill of uncertainty. Pluto is probably also the reason that Scorpios view interactions between people as struggles. ^{[3]
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- Scorpios often feel the need to change or transform themselves. Again, look to Pluto’s destructive and creative influences.

Section 4 of 5:

Why is Pluto called a generational planet?

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This means that an entire generation of people can share Pluto in the same sign before it slowly moves through the zodiac. We'll briefly describe how Pluto affects some of the recent zodiac signs it's been set in. ^{[4]
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Section 5 of 5:

Interpreting Your Generational Pluto Sign

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Find Pluto in your birth chart or use your birth year. Since Pluto moves so slowly through the zodiac, you can probably determine which zodiac sign it's set in just based on the year you were born. If you want to be totally sure, pull up a free online birth chart calculator and enter your birthday, time of birth, and location. ^{[5]
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Expert Source

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist

Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.}
- Note that we won't interpret Pluto in Aries since it hasn't been in this sign since 1853. Likewise, Pluto hasn't been in Taurus since 1884, Gemini since 1913, or Cancer since 1938.
- No one's had Pluto in Aquarius since 1798 and it won't set in this sign until 2024. Also, no one's had Pluto in Pisces since 1823 and it won't set in Pisces until 2044.
Pluto brings drama and a sense of destiny to your personal life. You probably feel like fate is pushing you in your life's direction, but it's probably Pluto's influence! This sense of destiny gives your life purpose and goals to work toward.
Pluto motivates you to work hard. The planet brings changes, but they're not as huge or dramatic. Instead, they inspire you to work for the good of others.
Pluto pushes you to challenge relationships. You're also ethically motivated to make positive changes, so your generation works to transform society.
Pluto's intensity inspires you to challenge the status quo. Some might say that Pluto in Scorpio brings negativity, but you're compelled to change the world.
Pluto inspires you to learn about yourself. You're probably interested in all things spiritual or metaphysical since you hope to understand what drives you. Pluto also keeps you focused on the future and how you can prepare for it.
Pluto gives you great resilience. You're aware of what's going on in society and politics, and you try to improve it. While this generation is very young, Pluto should help them make wide scale transformations as they grow.