Adding further intensity to the New Year period is the dramatic square between Mars and Pluto, in play December 30 – January 2. (If you missed my ‘Capricorn New Moon + the Pose of Power’ post, pop over here.)
January 2 is also the annual meet up of the Sun and Pluto, so like or not, a light is being shone into the darkness now.
You may gain clarity on a mysterious matter, or see the truth about a person or situation. Knowing what’s what will mean you can make a more informed choice going forward, even if the truth hurts. This is the realm of Pluto – knowing exactly what is, regardless of what it means or how it feels.
Mars and Pluto represent the force of will. Working together, these two planets can help you move a mountain, or push through otherwise limiting situations.
They combine to symbolise desire, demand and determination. This is willfulness at it’s best – and with an edge. When Pluto’s involved you may not be 100% sure of the deeper undercurrents or true motivations. A great question to ask is ‘Why?’, or ‘What’s really going on here?’ Don’t take a current situation at face value.
Of course, Mars does add an aggravating quality to the already fired up cardinal signs. If you have planets or chart points around 10 – 12 degrees of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) you may be feeling especially tense. (This is you if your birthday is December 31 – January 3, March 30 – April 2, July 1 – 5 and October 3 – 7.)
Mars/Pluto may be a powder keg like energy, but sometimes a good outburst can clear the air and reset your focus.
Mars represents the ‘I want’ principle. If what you want has been ignored or suppressed you may lash out as a way of re-balancing. This lashing out can be conscious or unconscious. Expressed with awareness this may be an honest conversation about something you’ve kept secret. Expressed unconsciously it may be a rant or rave about something out of the blue.
It all comes down to choices. If you get angry or notice yourself being controlling or manipulative, stop and reflect on why. Do you feel threatened? Out of control? Step back and look inwards – you may discover some personal turmoil that’s manifesting in a ruthless way externally.
If you feel controlled or manipulated, then this aspect may provide a chance to reclaim some power. Of course, those around you may not like your change in behaviour, but if it brings you greater strength, it may well be worth it.
Mars is in Libra as this aspect occurs, the sign of his detriment. Mars is somewhat uncomfortable in Libra as his 
natural ‘me first’ tendency is suppressed to focus on someone else. This can add to the tension as you seek the right balance between personal satisfaction and compromising for those around you.
Only you can decide where your limits and levels are. The trick is to be aware of your choices and to make them consciously.
Are you aware of power, control or truth themes? Do you have planets at the hotspot cardinal degrees?