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Pluto in the 12th house: Blurred lines



Homeless man holding a sign

What is Pluto


Pluto in Astrology represents transformation, rebirth, and the hidden aspects of our lives. In astrology, Pluto's influence delves into the depths of the subconscious, revealing the darkest and most profound elements of our inner selves. It is often associated with themes of power, control, regeneration, and intense psychological processes.


What is the 12th House?


In astrology, the 12th house is traditionally linked to the subconscious mind, the hidden self, and the spiritual realms. Often referred to as the house of self-undoing and secrets, the 12th house is the domain of our fears, hidden desires, and karmic patterns. It governs institutions like hospitals, prisons, and asylums and encompasses solitude, introspection, and the vast collective unconscious. Planets placed in the 12th house can bring to light hidden talents and challenges while fostering a connection to spirituality and the mysteries of life.



Pluto in the 12th house in the birth chart


Pluto in the 12th house feels a bit disoriented and confined in the physical world because the soul's intent is to merge with the universal and the timeless. There may be a tendency to live in fantasies and/or trying to escape reality.

Pluto here is extremely receptive to the concept of suffering, and whether you have been personally involved in a traumatic event or not, your intent is to learn how to be attuned to the concept of suffering, ultimately giving you a very high capacity to understand, feel, and channel humanity's pain.


The 12th House is collective, it is what is unspoken yet common to every human, it is being capable of talking to the masses, to a collective, through your capacity to channel this essence that everyone can relate to. Often this is seen in people who have work to do with the unconscious, with the collective, and often we find people involved in arts, in politics, in social causes.


The 12th house also rules what is unconscious, invisible, and ungraspable. It covers a wide range of subjects, from your own subconscious and invisible things that control you or influence you within your psyche, to secrets and undercover things. I like to sum up the 12th house as the collective unconscious though, all the unspoken and invisible things that are common to all humans. When you tap in the 12th house, you can touch, speak, and influence any other human, because you're touching on archetypes that everyone, even unbeknownst to them, can feel and understand as something that they experience too.


There is always two path possible - the high & the low path. In its highest expressions, Pluto here is going to seek to understand & channel the collective, by creating, by transforming pain into art, by transforming pain into global change for a given collective. Here Pluto seeks to understand what's unspoken & invisible, and there is a tremendous capacity for self-awareness and reflection.


Pluto in the 12th house seeks power through the collective and through unspoken/invisible things. Typically with this position of Pluto we find people whose power is particularly underestimated, an invisible force (Hello Donald Trump). When your Pluto is located in the 12th house, your power is your capacity to influence others by your grip on collectively unconscious things. To go back to Trump's example, whatever your opinion of him is, he managed to get elected without any political experience because he managed to make the American people resonate with him (at least enough of them to get elected.) He tapped in the collective subconscious, and that is indeed what Pluto does in this house.



With this position of Pluto, we find politics for sure, we also find artists, mystics, spiritual personalities, but the common thread is always the same: People who are tapped into collective vibes, collective archetypes. Art has this capacity to speak to any human, regardless of their political ideas, their culture, their language, anyone can be touched and moved by art. This, is the collective.


The 12th house seeks to elevate. That is the intent of Piscean values, transcending human separation through individual bodies and ego, and achieving oneness by cultivating awareness of oneness and transcending limitations and separation. But you know what else happens when you seek to escape your human body and individuality and attempt to achieve merging with humanity? You also tend to escape your own set of personal problems, your own set of struggles and pain. The 12th house elevates, but this is muddy territory.

As much as spiritual oneness is a valid concept, it's easy to get into a habit of escaping your own self, and that is something that Pluto in the 12th house can be tempted to do.


As always with Pluto, repulsion and attraction is at play, as well as obsessive and compulsive tendencies. As the 12th house rules less noble things, such as self-undoing, escapism in all its forms, there can be a tendency to compulsively seek to escape your own pain.


Pluto in the 12th house is compelled to achieve a transcendence and elevation process. This is a life spent cleaning up your own spiritual closet. This is your mission, should you choose to accept it.


Pluto Transiting the 12th House: What to Expect


When Pluto begins its journey through the 12th house in a person's birth chart, profound transformations and deep introspection are on the horizon. This transit often ushers in a period of intense self-discovery as the veil between the conscious and unconscious realms is lifted. Individuals can expect to confront buried emotions, hidden fears, and unresolved issues that have been concealed in the depths of their psyches.


Pluto's transit through the 12th house prompts a powerful desire to explore the inner workings of the mind and soul. This is a time when long-buried secrets, both personal and collective, may surface, demanding acknowledgment and healing. Past traumas and unresolved psychological wounds can come to the forefront, urging individuals to confront and release the emotional baggage they have carried for so long.


One of the notable aspects of this transit is the need for solitude and introspection. It's a period when external distractions and superficial concerns lose their allure, and the individual is drawn to contemplation and self-examination. Dreams and subconscious symbols may become more vivid and meaningful during this time, offering valuable insights into the hidden aspects of one's psyche.


Overall, a Pluto transit through the 12th house is a transformative journey of self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth. It's an opportunity to confront the shadows within and emerge with a deeper understanding of one's inner world.


Typical Events When Pluto Enters the 12th House


During Pluto's transit through the 12th house, individuals may experience a series of significant events and inner transformations. These events often revolve around uncovering hidden truths, confronting the past, and embarking on a profound healing journey. Some typical events and experiences during this transit may include:

  1. Unearthing Past Traumas: Memories of past traumas, both from the individual's personal history and collective human experiences, may resurface. This can be a challenging but essential part of the healing process.

  2. Intense Psychological Work: Many individuals find themselves drawn to therapy, meditation, or other forms of psychological and spiritual exploration during this transit. It's a time for deep inner work.

  3. Heightened Intuition: The 12th house's connection to the subconscious may lead to heightened intuitive abilities and vivid dreams. Paying attention to one's inner guidance becomes crucial.

  4. Isolation and Solitude: A strong need for solitude and self-reflection may lead to a period of isolation. This isolation allows for introspection and a deep dive into the psyche.

  5. Release and Healing: The 12th house is associated with healing and closure. Individuals often experience a release of emotional baggage, leading to profound healing and personal transformation.

  6. Spiritual Awakening: This transit can trigger a spiritual awakening, as individuals explore the metaphysical and seek a deeper connection with the universe.

  7. Endings and New Beginnings: Pluto's presence signifies endings and rebirth. Relationships, careers, and life situations that no longer serve one's growth may come to a close, making way for new opportunities.


If you're interested in exploring your own timelines & upcoming events or learning more about predictions in astrology, we offer in-depth transit readings and an astrology course to learn how to form predictions.



Pluto in the 12th House in Synastry


When Pluto from one person's birth chart is in contact with another person's 12th house, the dynamics in their relationship can take on a profound and transformative quality. This synastry aspect may indicate that the Pluto person awakens hidden aspects within the 12th house person's psyche.


The Pluto person often serves as a catalyst for the 12th house person's journey of self-discovery and transformation. They may help the 12th house person confront their inner demons, face past traumas, and undergo deep psychological healing. The relationship can have an intense and mysterious quality, with hidden depths and secrets that are gradually revealed.


This aspect can foster a powerful spiritual connection between the individuals, leading to shared experiences of profound personal growth and healing. However, it can also bring challenges, as the deep psychological work required in the relationship may be demanding and at times unsettling.


In synastry, Pluto in the 12th house signifies a relationship where the unconscious mind and the depths of the human soul are explored, often leading to a unique bond that transcends the surface and delves into the hidden realms of the psyche.


If you're interested in exploring your own synastry connections or learning more about compatibility in astrology, we offer in-depth synastry readings and an astrology course to help you delve into the fascinating world of astrological relationships.



Where is My Pluto?


To determine your Pluto placement, you'll need to generate your full birth chart. You can do so with our free astrology chart calculator.



Recommended books:

(May contain affiliate links)


"The book of Pluto": Steven Forrest




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