Dark Side of the Full Moon

A potentially wicked Pluto influence intensifies emotional upheaval during the Full Moon in Libra on March 21, 2008. Full Moons are notorious for igniting outbursts, while Pluto is notorious for amplifying our dark side. After all, Pluto is associated with the Underworld and the underworld of the unconscious is the tangle of unacceptable emotions we’d rather keep hidden (or are completely unaware of).

All the nasty stuff, like violence, extremism, jealousy, obsession, control issues, manipulation, secrecy and deception, fall under the domain of Pluto. This month’s Full Moon forms a stressful “T-cross” with the planet of darkness. Oh, that’s great, you’re thinking. What can I expect from this influence and is there any way to turn this beast into a blessing?

The good news is, yes! Pluto is your typical blessing in disguise. It brings negative emotions to light so you can resolve them. Not fun, by any means, but necessary for emotional health. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prepare for this Plutonian rollercoaster ride – which will affect you from two weeks to a month after the Full Moon, depending on your chart.

First, do some soul searching to discover any unsettling feelings you’ve been avoiding, or thought insignificant. Are you angry with your partner or boss? Have you felt unappreciated at work? Are you procrastinating the pursuit of your dreams because you feel too unprepared, too busy, too broke? Are you angry at yourself for mistakes you’ve made in the past? It’s time to bring these feelings out into the open so you can resolve what’s bugging you. So how do you do that? Meditation, journaling, analyzing your dreams, discussing your feelings with friends – or good old fashioned therapy – are some ways you can get in touch with what’s going on inside you.

Second, and this is important, try to avoid negative people and being drawn into confrontations. Watch out for people who press your anger button (or victim button or jealousy button – whatever “button” provokes you). However, if you do get into a heated situation, be aware that it’s just your way of manifesting a problem (yes, you co-created it!) so that issues you need to face emerge out into the open. Remember, what you put out into the world comes back to you, even if what you’re sending out is hidden deep in your unconscious.

Pluto is the great excavator and it will pull out any inner darkness that needs to be brought to light. Admittedly, this month’s Full Moon may not have the power to do that completely (like a powerful Pluto transit in your chart would tend to do), but you may get a taste of Pluto’s excavating power, nonetheless.

As for your sign specifically, the Cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will be the most affected (and perhaps the most enlightened) by the Full Moon-Pluto energy. Confrontations may arise over me-versus-we scenarios, like favoring self-centered pursuits over relationship activities. Family time versus career time may be an issue as well. It’s all about balance, so seek a fair compromise. The Fixed signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius will get drawn into arguments, most likely by coworkers or people they employ. Watch what you say and how you react to being provoked. And a problem from the past may come back to haunt you, too. The Mutable signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces may feel some upheaval in their finances, friendships and romantic encounters. Don’t go to extremes with your money, and try to surround yourself with positive people who support your aspirations.

For every sign, accessing the positive in Pluto by purging the negative stuff and letting the light shine in, is the best way to handle this dynamic energy during the Full Moon.

Cortney Litwin is the co-host of The Cosmic Sutra on KarmaAir.com, a call-in talk show where she shares her astrology and dream interpretation expertise with listeners and callers.