Pluto entered Capricorn on January 27, 2008 to begin its 20.6 year transit through this sign. This is going to bring about significant world changes on many levels. The Karma of world thought and action will take on a new focus, quite different from the Pluto in Sagittarius transit that we have become accustomed to during approximately the last 20 years.

To understand this, we have to see that Pluto is a planet of extremes. Never does it seek moderation or balance, but rather the exhaustive stretching to limits of any fad, philosophy or course of action.

During its transit through Sagittarius, we have seen an agonizing war (Pluto) in a distant land (Sagittarius rules faraway places). We have seen the once-fascinating genre of Video Games (Sagittarius rules enjoyment), turn extremely violent (Pluto). The horror of 9/11 where buildings collapsed in flames (Pluto's destruction in the fire-sign Sagittarius) which started an era of terrorism marked by destruction (Pluto) by ideology (Sagittarius). Particularly noticeable has been the terror cells in different countries, with no apparent center (yet another indication of the destructive force of Pluto in Sagittarius).

We might also realize that Sagittarius rules communication and transportation over great distances. The internet, has seen a proliferation of SPAM that noone could ever have imagined (Pluto's hidden and sneaky destructiveness), mostly coming from foreign lands (Sagittarius) hiding in little known countries.

We have even had our fill of Ponzi schemes, phishing schemes, and con artists (all Plutonian in nature), attempting to steal from internet users by pretending to represent lottery winnings (Sagittarius- rules gambling). Sometimes these near-do-well hoaxers have even used the law (Sagittarius) to hide in, pretending to give commissions to anyone who would fill out their quasi-legal applications (requiring of course, personal information).

Even more noticeable during this transit has been Pluto's power to bring to the surface that which has to be eliminated in order to bring about social change. In the world of sports (Sagittarius) we have seen investigations about the hidden use of steroids (Pluto rules Scorpio which rules medicine). These have led to unprecedented fallen idols (Pluto in Sagittarius) where larger than life figures (Sagittarius) had attempted to take hidden advantage over others (by the dishonorable use of Pluto). All in all, the Pluto in Sagittarius transit has been a difficult one at best, and as it ends after the 26th. of January, we must prepare for what Pluto in Capricorn will bring.

Capricorn is a karmic sign. As a ruler of time and old age, it brings with it the consequences of previous youthful actions (or the lack of them). It is important to note here, that Capricorn is usually a fearful, reserved sign, taking the time to plan life instead of live it spontaneously (like Sagittarius).

Remembering that Pluto uncovers hidden problems that have to be revealed, we can expect everything to do with the sign Capricorn to come under scrutiny. Scandals will be rampant because Capricorn rules those "above-reproach" institutions in society that have tried to insulate themselves from scrutiny. Yet, under Pluto's digging to the depths to find truth, many of the oldest, most respected institutions will find their bricks are merely sand.

Particularly in the areas of higher education, methods and degrees will come into question. Old age homes, and retirement communities (Capricorn rules old age and protectiveness earned by time and manifested by governments) will experience sweeping changes. Age old traditions, religious or spiritual practices will find themselves open to the tearing away powers of Pluto.

The dominance of father-figures, as well as power-figures in industry and religion, will be tested by Pluto's probing away at the very roots of all it touches.

The Karma of this 20.6 year Pluto in Capricorn transit, is to bring about a new sense of respect and dignity, not based simply on time or age, but rather on how it is earned. We are striving to reach protection (Capricorn) in a society that we can trust, rather than merely what is thrust upon us. Towards this end, you can expect Pluto to tear apart all that we have put false hopes into, until something more real (Capricorn is an earth sign) can be established.

Many of the social changes brought about during the Pluto in Sagittarius transit were brought about by law (Sagittarius rules the law). However, during this Pluto in Capricorn transit, the social changes we will experience will not be because of legal minds or legislative posturing. Instead, these great social changes will occur after discarding all that does not work on very practical earth levels.

More importantly, is what will be left standing, for if the truth be known, Capricorn represents the age-old teachings of the Masters, the Tenth House wisdom of fatherly love and the love of the Father, as well as all of the great Teachers who followed the disciplined order of achieving higher consciousness.

In the footsteps of the great holy ones who came before us, may we strive to climb our mountains (Capricorn is ruled by the climbing mountain goat) of aspirations and dreams, with the most sincerest of tried and true patient wisdom so that as Pluto tests us, we will not be found wanting or weak, but instead, worthy of the blessings we so sincerely need.