Changing its astronomical status does not alter the fact that Pluto still has an astrological effect on Earth. Because it is so very far from us and remains in one sign for so long, it sometimes has the least apparent influence on the individual, yet there is still an influence to be considered. Exactly what that influence is, however, is debatable.

Generally, Pluto rules death, destruction, rebirth and extreme changes. Pluto is said to govern global, historical and generational issues—think “big picture” stuff. It can exert great positive or negative power that may cause chaos through elements of nature, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, or social chaos, such as liberation movements, revolutions and international terrorism. Its placement in an individual’s chart shows whether or not there will be great upheaval or a sudden, sweeping life change at some point. From that perspective, Pluto can be held responsible for that person becoming a beneficent world leader or infamous serial killer.

Pluto’s elliptical orbit results in its taking anywhere from ten to thirty years to travel through a single zodiac sign. It has been in Sagittarius since 1995 (with brief wobbles into Capricorn earlier this year). At the end of November, Pluto moves into Capricorn for a fifteen-year stay. The last time this placement occurred was about 240 years ago, around the time of the American and French Revolutions.

Sagittarius is a fire sign and considered the spontaneous, freedom-loving spirit of the zodiac, a real risk-taker. Capricorn is an earth sign and known as the super-focused, ambitious workaholic, who prefers to be certain of the path to success before stepping onto it. Obviously these two are nearly complete opposites in personality. Think back over the past thirteen years of your own life as well as what has occurred globally then imagine what the opposite might be like. No astrologer can accurately predict exactly how Pluto will affect Earth’s course as it transits into new territory, only that the results should be very, very different from what has transpired in the last decade. Will the results be felt instantaneously? Because Capricorn is such a different host, perhaps yes. Because Capricorn prefers caution to spontaneity, perhaps no. It is probable that Capricorns and Scorpios (ruled by Pluto) will be the first to notice the shift.

Only time will tell with Pluto, however.