Sun-Pluto

Sun-Pluto combines the central sense of identity, the way we shine, and our mission in the world (all associated with the Sun archetype) with Pluto's association with the depths, the hidden, the powerful and transformative.

This combination can show up as a tendency to become involved in power struggles (PLuto) of will and identity (Sun), the urge to overcome (Pluto) oneself (Sun) and constantly deepen (Pluto) and transform (Pluto) one’s identity (Sun), or as the ability to align one’s personal will (Sun) with the will of the universe itself to evolve out of itself (Pluto).

Below are examples of famous people born with this combination in their natal charts (natal chart is another word for astrological birth chart, or pictographic representation of the sky when they were born). When we witness how this combination shows up in the lives of others, we can become more self-aware of how this combination shows up in our own lives. The more we are conscious of the ways astrological alignments (otherwise known as “aspects”) show up in our lives, the more the archetypal tensions involved can become integrated in our lives, thus revealing inherent strengths to us.

Please note that the tension of this archetypal combination, as illustrated in the lives and creations of the famous people in the examples below, may be demonstrated in ways that are more integrated or less integrated.

 

  • The Sun-Pluto combination in the chart of singer Katy Perry can be seen in her lyrics for her song, “Rise,” in which she evokes Pluto’s underworld association with descriptions of depth, vultures and fire. Yet she emphasizes again and again how she will rise (Sun) from this depth and be transformed (Pluto): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdw1uKiTI5c

  • When Pluto is in combination with the Sun it is possible to have all the underworld taboo charisma of Pluto combined with your identity (Sun), like actor Marlon Brando who played “the Godfather,” the very epitome of an underworld figure wielding Plutonic power.

  • The Sun-Pluto combination can be seen as combining of Pluto’s association with transformation and the untamed powers of nature, and the Sun’s association with identity. Actor Taylor Lautner demonstrated this aspect of the Sun-Pluto combination in his natal chart as he came to notoriety as a werewolf in the Twilight movie series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEWZFq14JiU. The Sun-Pluto combination in the natal chart of golfer Tiger Woods can be seen in that his name/identity (Sun) captures the Plutonic power of untamed nature.

  • The Sun-Pluto combination in the birth chart of author Lord Edward Bulwer-Lytton can be seen in his novel “Paul Clifford” in which a drama (Pluto) unfolds between father (Sun) and son (Sun). The main character is a thief and unknown son of the judge who sentences him to death. This reflects the father (Sun) as the one who lords power (Pluto) over the son. It also reflects the son whose identity (Sun) is hidden (Pluto). As well it reflects the dark and ominous (Pluto) archetypal father (Sun). This aspect of the Sun-Pluto combination, as the powerful and shadowy (Pluto) father (Sun) is depicted with archetypal precision in the character of Darth Vader, played by actor James Earl Jones, who was born with the Sun-Pluto combination in his natal chart.

  • The Sun-Pluto combination in the birth chart of Frank Herbert, author of the Dune series of science fiction novels, can be seen in his portrayal of something called “The Voice,” in which highly trained individuals can use the power (Pluto) of their will (Sun) to oblige others to do their bidding. It is an example of one will dominating another will that is a common theme for those born with the Sun-Pluto combination. For a theatrical rendition of this skill, check out this scene from the 2021 film Dune in which Paul Atreides and his mother Lady Jessica use the voice on their Harkonnen captors (please be warned this scene contains graphic depictions of violence): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myJCQdfA6fY

  • The Sun-Pluto combination in the natal chart of magician and tv personality Justin Willman can be seen in his ability to hypnotize and influence his audience such that they act in whatever way he wills. In this dynamic we see the personal will reflected by the Sun infused with the powerful dominant force that can be associated with Pluto, creating a power of personality that can assert itself over others. Here is a startling and entertaining example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RksLFJ7A2M With the Sun’s association with the archetypal masculine and the personal will, and Pluto associated with the power, his name “Willman” provides appropriate emphasis.

  • An entertaining example of Sun-Pluto can be seen in song I Want to Be Evil, by singer Eartha Kitt, who was born with the Sun-Pluto combination in her natal chart. The Sun is associated with identity. In Greco-Roman mythology Pluto was the god of the underworld. In more modern times the lord of the underworld is personified as the devil. Metaphorically the underworld is the place where the unacceptable things are swept into the shadows where they don’t have to be acknowledged. Eartha Kitt expresses this combination as the person who wants their identity (Sun) to evoke the dark shadowy taboos of the underworld (Pluto).