Venus-Pluto in Astrology as an Invitation to Explore the Unconscious

Venus is a symbol of connection and relationship. This archetypal symbol represents not only external relationships with other people, but also the internal relationships we have with our inner selves. Venus is an archetypal symbol of how we relate to the multiplicity of internal psychic structures in ourselves.

Another archetypal symbol, Pluto, represents: the unconscious, intense experiences, spiritual crisis and catharsis that leading to transformation, death-rebirth processes, psychotherapy, experiencing and healing shame, occultism; the hidden, marginalized, unknown, or mysterious; rich resources and empowerment from within.

When Venus and Pluto come together via transit, in the natal chart, or in an event chart (a gathering, organization, product, or business), there's a call to explore relationship deeply and intensely. This process often especially involves working with the unconscious or mysterious.

The unconscious is a realm of mystery, illusion, and endless intrigue. The unconscious is both personal and collective. We cannot perceive what's unconscious with our ordinary senses. Psychotherapist and researchers, Joseph Coppin and Elizabeth Nelson in their book The Art of Inquiry: A Depth-Psychological Perspective describe the unconscious as detectable only indirectly through its impact. They compare the unconscious to an invisible field of energy, such as gravity or electromagnetic fields. We cannot perceive these forces directly, but we know they exist via the effects they create.

Venus-Pluto aspects in astrology represent a time (or a lifetime if in the natal chart) of relationally exploring the unconscious and the mysterious. This process of exploring the unconscious can be done any time (and also over a lifetime) by cultivating a depth psychological perspective to life. Coppin and Nelson say that a depth psychological perspective is where we investigate the symbolic nature of "dreams, symptoms, core beliefs and behavior as well as observing manifestations of unconscious processes in arts, culture, and society" (p. 93). By curiously exploring dreams, symptoms, beliefs, and behaviors as a symbolic expression of psyche, we begin to perceive the unconscious at play.

This lifestyle of cultivating a depth psychological perspective involves:

"continual self-awareness, which might include asking some of the following questions:

'What is my attitude now, open, receptive, stubborn, dogmatic?'

'Am I trying to be right or am I willing to be surprised or challenged?'

'What am I not seeing?'

'Who am I not hearing?'

Such self-awareness, though relatively simple, is nonetheless demanding."

(Coppin and Nelson, p. 103)

Reflecting on these questions over time may create a continual meditation practice that offers insight and deeper meaning in life. Intentionally cultivating an attitude of curiosity and non-judgement with these questions tends to keep things flowing. It's very likely, especially when Pluto is involved, to slip into judgement, shame, blame, or a "let's fix this" mentality.

As psychotherapist Marion Woodman said, "Living by principles is not living your own life. It is easier to try to be better than you are than to be who you are." What she meant by this is that we are more fully embodied when we focus on who we are now, what's happening inside now, and go from there. A key component of most introspective practices is returning over and over again with curiosity and non-judgement to the present experience.

Venus-Pluto can be a powerful archetypal portal to self-discovery, self-reclamation, and deepening into a more empowered relationship with your inner world. This archetypal energy is present during transits involving Venus and Pluto, as well as anytime you focus your contemplative attention on this planetary combination.

References:

Coppin, J. & Nelson, E. (2021). The art of inquiry: A depth psychological perspective. Spring Publications.