Pluto’s Discovery: From Great Depression to Atomic Bomb

Step into the enigmatic realm of cosmic revelation as we delve into the discovery of Pluto and its uncanny parallels with tumultuous events of the 20th century. From the depths of the Great Depression to the dawn of the Atomic Age, Pluto’s emergence unveils a tapestry of transformative upheaval and profound change. Join us on a journey through history as we explore the resonance between celestial discovery and earthly turmoil, shedding light on Pluto’s enduring significance.

Discovery and Role in Astrology

Pluto was discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh on February 18, 1930. Pluto replaced Mars as the ruler of Scorpio in astrology in the 20th century, around the time of its discovery in 1930. This change occurred because Pluto’s archetype, symbolizing the God of the Underworld, resonates more closely with Scorpio’s transformative, intense, and regenerative qualities. Mars, as the God of War, fit more with Aries because of the more direct and assertive energy. Astrologers recognized Pluto’s affinity with the depth and complexity of Scorpio’s nature, leading to its adoption as the modern ruler of the sign.

Pluto was in the sign of Cancer when it was discovered in 1930. Pluto in Cancer, from 1914 to 1939, marked a transformative period in familial and national dynamics. This era saw intense emotional upheaval, as Pluto’s deep-seated power clashed with Cancer’s emphasis on home and security. Themes of homeland security, family restructuring, and emotional intensity were prominent. The Great Depression and the rise of totalitarian regimes reflected the profound societal shifts occurring during this time.

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Great Depression (1929–1939):

The Great Depression, coinciding with Pluto’s discovery, marked a period of profound economic hardship globally. High unemployment, financial instability, and widespread poverty characterized this era, impacting individuals, families, and nations alike. The economic downturn triggered significant social and political changes, reshaping societal structures and prompting governments to implement new policies in response to the crisis.

Rise of Totalitarian Regimes:

During the 1930s, the world witnessed the ascent of totalitarian regimes, exemplified by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime in Germany and Benito Mussolini’s fascist rule in Italy. These regimes exerted authoritarian control, suppressing dissent and imposing their ideologies on society. The aggressive expansionist policies pursued by these regimes ultimately escalated into World War II, reshaping the geopolitical landscape and causing widespread devastation across continents.

Dust Bowl (1930s):

During the 1930s, the United States grappled with the Dust Bowl, a calamitous environmental event marked by devastating dust storms and agricultural devastation, primarily affecting the Great Plains region. The Dust Bowl led to widespread crop failures, economic hardship, and mass migration, profoundly impacting the lives of millions of Americans and highlighting the vulnerability of agricultural practices to environmental factors.

Golden Age of Hollywood (1930s):

Amidst the economic turmoil of the 1930s, Hollywood flourished, embodying Pluto’s transformative essence through its ascent to global prominence. The film industry’s meteoric rise during this tumultuous era symbolized regeneration and empowerment, offering escapism and inspiration to audiences amidst adversity. Like Pluto’s underworld journey, Hollywood’s evolution epitomized resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of creative expression, shaping cultural landscapes and leaving an indelible mark on society.

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The Expansion of the Field of Psychology

Gestalt Psychology (early 20th century):

Gestalt psychology’s emergence during the early 20th century epitomized Pluto’s transformative influence, challenging established paradigms and emphasizing holistic perspectives. Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Köhler, and Kurt Koffka’s rejection of structuralism reflected Pluto’s inclination towards deep-seated change and the exploration of hidden complexities. Gestalt psychology’s emphasis on holistic perception aligned with Pluto’s association with uncovering hidden truths and transformative insights, contributing to a shift in psychological understanding amidst societal upheaval.

Analytical Psychology (early 20th century):

In the 1930s, Carl Jung published several influential works, including “Modern Man in Search of a Soul” (1933) and “Psychological Reflections: An Anthology of the Writings of C.G. Jung” (1934). These texts further explored his theories on psychology, the collective unconscious, and the significance of archetypes, contributing to his enduring legacy in the field of analytical psychology. He expanded the horizons of psychological inquiry, reflecting Pluto’s penchant for uncovering hidden layers of consciousness and fostering deep-seated transformations in individual and collective understanding.

World War II (1939 to 1945)

The discovery of Pluto in 1930 coincided with rising tensions globally, foreshadowing the tumultuous events of the Second World War. Pluto’s association with transformation and upheaval reflects the profound shifts occurring on the world stage during this period. As totalitarian regimes gained power and economic instability deepened, the seeds of conflict were sown. The subsequent outbreak of war in 1939 marked a transformative moment in human history, characterized by destruction, renewal, and the emergence of new power dynamics, echoing the themes of upheaval and regeneration associated with the discovery of Pluto.

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The Atomic Bomb (1945)

The development and deployment of the Atomic Bomb in 1945 epitomized the Plutonian archetype, harnessing the destructive power of nuclear fission. Uranium and plutonium, the key elements used in the bomb, underscored Pluto’s association with transformation and destruction. The bomb’s unprecedented devastation, witnessed in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, marked a profound turning point in human history. Its cataclysmic impact not only ended World War II but also ushered in the atomic age, forever altering the geopolitical landscape and highlighting humanity’s capacity for both innovation and destruction in the nuclear era.

Astrologically, the transition from Mars to Pluto ruling Scorpio reflects a shift in the interpretation of the sign’s energy. Mars, known for its assertiveness and direct action, governed Scorpio traditionally. However, with Pluto’s discovery, astrologers saw a deeper layer of Scorpio’s essence: transformation, regeneration, and the subconscious. Pluto’s association with the underworld and hidden realms resonated more profoundly with Scorpio’s penchant for intensity, depth, and profound change, leading to its adoption as the sign’s ruler.