Orbs for transiting Pluto

[Flowergirl]

I want to know how different astrologers would approach the orb of transiting Pluto, since it is such a slow moving planet and can hardly be compared to transiting sun for example.

Transiting Pluto is (4 degrees separating) square my natal sun and I can't decide whether I should still think of myself under the transformative influence or not. I have been through a tremendous transformation the last few years and I feel like I'm finally stepping into the lighter side of life. I feel like I can easily use 4 degrees max but I'm aware of people using very tight orbs.

By posting this poll I hope to get a general 'feeling' of what sort of orbs other would use for transit Pluto. No arguments necessary.

[astrologer50]

Transits
I use--- 1° approaching, 1° exact and 1° departing. If you click on the link listed below for the online ephemeris it will list all planets at any given time. Learning astrology is like learning a new ‘language’ and obviously the more effort you put into something the more your knowledge and understanding will increase. All transits act as ‘background’ influences through a house, until it makes a mathematical aspect to a planet inside or an Angle.

For 'timings' I would look to the retrograde hit as the most important trigger, then look to see what the quicker planets are doing especially mars & mercury --

astro.com has fee six month transit forecast plus when you get into Extended chart selection, look at the three tabs after calculating a chart under ‘method’ default is circular wheels (on left), middle is special charts and in their you get graphic ephemeris 1yr (or 5years) with natal = transits for 1yr and lots more. BUT you first must learn or memorise the 'glyphs' ie: shorthand for recognising what these maps/graphics mean.

For example when you post or reply to a chart the 'smilies' to the right and just under them [more] if you click on there it will bring up a whole loads of 'glyphs' Mercury Uranus conjunction (+or - 8') trine aspect 120' Libra
http://cafeastrology.com/transits.html
http://cafeastrology.com/transits_2.html
http://www.khaldea.com/ephemcenter.shtml
http://www.bobmarksastrologer.com/transits18.0.htm
http://www.astro.com/faq/fq_fh_transits_e.htm
http://www.astro.com/astrology/in_transits_e.htm
http://www.astro.com/swisseph/ae/2000/ae_2009.pdf
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/learn-astrology/astrology-glyphs.php
http://www.dkfoundation.co.uk/dkfoundation/BookTransitsAndProgressions.htm

Now it's more important to focus on transits from Jupiter to Pluto (poss mars as this is the ignition key)and these planets when aspecting something in your natal chart 'set off' the difficult or nice 'aspects - potential - problems' that your chart expresses. By that I mean if a benefic planet like Jupiter hits/touches/transits your venus, mars or uranus these could be experienced very pleasantly. BUT if your natal venus is afflicted, or badly aspected say conj saturn then jupiter will not has such a good effect. It all depends on how the natal planet is 'aspected'

For me I would say external 'events' must be seen by transits, progressions or Solar arcs to Angles ie: Asc/Desc & MC/IC most other times these events are 'internal, psychological matters as in between the ears'

Now astro.com uses a much wider orb, possibly something like 5° or even 10° that’s why when you use the free transit forecast service a transit goes on for months and months. BUT common sense should tell you when the transit is ‘exact’ then it’s at the strongest. Some astrologers swear by 1° approaching produces ‘events’ some say the 1° exact, some say 1° off for triggering events. I personally look to the exact and 1° off for ‘timings’ especially the retrograde hit (backwards hit)

[waybread]

This will vary a little with each person, depending upon whether a third planet or an angle is also involved. For example, if you have one planet at 5 degrees of its sign that makes a major aspect to another planet at 9 degrees of its sign, Pluto will activate both of them. As it moves off the 5 degree planet it will continue to hit the 9 degree planet.

Transiting Pluto square sun is a difficult transit, compared with "being stripped of your skin." Hopefully when it is over you will look back and see how greatly it has helped you to mature, and have a deeper sense of life's experiences.

[Claire19]

Originally Posted by Flowergirl

I want to know how different astrologers would approach the orb of transiting Pluto, since it is such a slow moving planet and can hardly be compared to transiting sun for example.

Transiting Pluto is (4 degrees separating) square my natal sun and I can't decide whether I should still think of myself under the transformative influence or not. I have been through a tremendous transformation the last few years and I feel like I'm finally stepping into the lighter side of life. I feel like I can easily use 4 degrees max but I'm aware of people using very tight orbs.

By posting this poll I hope to get a general 'feeling' of what sort of orbs other would use for transit Pluto. No arguments necessary.

Of course testing our transits for ourselves will give us an idea of how wide an influence the orbs have. I am tracking my Pluto square Mars Neptune transit right now. Waiting to see how it all affects me as Pluto separates and then comes back to exact aspect and then separates out again..... I think the Sun involved may be valid up to 3 degrees especially with a heavy one like Pluto......

[Claire19]

Originally Posted by waybread

This will vary a little with each person, depending upon whether a third planet or an angle is also involved. For example, if you have one planet at 5 degrees of its sign that makes a major aspect to another planet at 9 degrees of its sign, Pluto will activate both of them. As it moves off the 5 degree planet it will continue to hit the 9 degree planet.

Transiting Pluto square sun is a difficult transit, compared with "being stripped of your skin." Hopefully when it is over you will look back and see how greatly it has helped you to mature, and have a deeper sense of life's experiences.

I agree that these two planets affect us in a major way, striking at the heart of our character and ego and the transformation can often be painful but ultimately very strengthening. Of course the natal aspect between Pluto and Sun has to be taken into consideration, whether challenging or flowing.....for ease of expression ultimately.

[lazarusx]

I'll be keeping an eye on my T Pluto.. it should come into conjunction with Neptune and Saturn in the 8th house soon, which will coincide with a direct opposition to my Sun. Pluto is natally Trine my Sun, im presuming this may allow for the process to be smoother. I look forward to the experience regardless.

I have no idea on the orbs to use, but this thread has provided some insight, thanks.

[Flowergirl]

Thank you for all the replies everyone. I'll take it then that the psychological influence of this transit is over now. I know that aspects often trigger physical events when in 1 degree close orb but I was more interested in knowing if I can put this psychological transformation and it's effects behind me and look to the future.

I say this because since around 2003 my life has been extremely complicated with heavy Pluto transits and I seem to be coming out at the lighter side of the tunnel. I feel so relieved.

[BobZemco]

Pluto's exact position can only be known to +/- 10' of arc.

Originally Posted by Flowergirl

I'll take it then that the psychological influence of this transit is over now.

I wouldn't be so sure Pluto actually caused it. If the true causal event happens to be your Directed Ascendant in the Term of a Planet, then you would experience whatever you thought you experienced as many as 6 more times in the future.