For the past 11 years, since 1984, the powerful, intense and magical planet Pluto has been traveling along the ecliptic through the Zodiac sign of Scorpio. (birthdays from October 21-November 21) Who hasn't noticed the failure of banking institutions, the rise of AIDS and the fall of the free love of the 60's and 70's, the intensification of the abortion issue, the pathos of priests, even the transformation of business. All these issues, and more, are the territory of Pluto in Scorpio.

One example of a transformed business is Sears & Roebuck. A fine institution which was forced into letting go of what was their life's blood - the catalogue. Sears is strong and they survived the surgery. What Sun sign Scorpio has not been touched by drama over the past 11 years? Can you see them all nodding their heads "yes"! A few notable Scorpio personalities who have transformed: Fidel Castro, Pablo Picasso, Prince Charles of Britain.

Pluto relates very well to death and resurrection both in a symbolic sense and literally. Most Scorpios became obsessed with life and death issues in one way or another and many of you did suffer a death in the sense of leaving behind a self that could no longer live with the goals and lifestyle you had established for yourselves. Your major changes had to do with the conscious direction of life; in fact, you found out who really mattered in your lives and said good-bye to the ones who didn't. The magic happened - you came into your power. Whether through birth, death, marriage, business or pleasure, you now "know the score". Take the time, now, a few moments to reflect on your own Scorpio Sun or someone close to you who is a Scorpio - observe the way you or the others have changed; try to understand the loss of innocence. Pluto erases innocence forever and leaves a livid scar in it's place. However, the magical gift you have received - self-empowerment - awaits your new direction in life as a healer, or a destroyer. The choice is yours.

Now that the planet Pluto is moving on to enter the sign of Sagittarius, Scorpios are shedding the mantle of emotion so near and dear to them. Will you continue to complicate your lives? Oh yes, indeedy, you will - that's your inborn nature. Out of the decay of your old lives, a resurrection will surely take place. Welcome new Scorpios, take your place in society as an individual with a brave and proud new focus on life! You've earned it, you can now breathe easier.

Move over Scorpios, Sagittarians are lining up at the power door - what in the world will we do with powerful Sagittarians? (Some humor intended) Will they be able to handle the responsibility of power? Will they even understand that transformation is about to consume them? Will they even bother to notice Pluto crawling into bed with them? If Sagittarians are the bachelors and bachelorettes of the Zodiac - will they all marry? It's possible that they may become quite vulnerable with this new found power - catch them while you can - Pluto is here for the next 12 years only!

Sagittarians are also known for doing things in a big way. Will we see more extravaganzas - I think so. Sagittarians are known for their preaching and philosophy. Will there be more Billy Grahams - I think so.

Sagittarians are quite carefree, have a love of adventure and like to travel long distances. Where can they travel these days; there are no frontiers left. Wrong! Outer space is the new frontier - a mountain that has no limits - a Sagittarian's greatest adventure.

What kinds of issues will the world face over the next 12 years? Pluto in Sagittarius will present themes around religion and belief systems. Adventures in outer space and to the center of the earth - the new frontiers! Stories of that nature will blaze across newspaper headlines. What will the Hubble telescope find - undoubtedly, treasures from the Universe! Universities and colleges - many will fail; especially the ones not keeping up with the latest technology (computing). Transformation in the way we teach, learn, educate, understand, communicate. This, above all, will affect everyone - profoundly. The information superhighway is a precursor to the age of Aquarius as was the invention of the printing press hundreds of years ago. The flooding of information overwhelms all who participate in business and education. How will we keep up with the new, and the abundance of information available to us? In time, there will be answers but will you be prepared? Are you hoping that life will settle down; that complacency will become a fact of life sometime soon? With Pluto in the sign Sagittarius, life in general will continue to be overwhelming at times. That is one promise I can make.

As Pluto travels through the Zodiac and makes a connection to your natal planets (as shown on your birth chart) there is a complication somewhere in your life that will come to a head. A long standing situation now becomes a throbbing concern that needs to be brought to light; to completion - at any cost. Pressure and power plays complicate your lives and closure in some way is the result of Pluto in our lives.

Pluto entered the sign of Sagittarius in January, 1995 and will remain in this sign for about 12 years; still zipping along at about 3 degrees a year.

All those born November 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 have first dibs on Pluto this year.

Some notable Sagittarians to watch over the next 12 years: Jane Fonda, Bette Midler, Andrew Carnegie, George Moscone, and Mark Twain will be in the news.

Happy Transforming!

Carolyn M. Egan, Astrologer