Venus-Pluto Aspects in Synastry
Venus and Pluto rule the signs side by side, Libra and Scorpio. Venus also rules Taurus, the sign that opposes Scorpio. When the signs are side by side and in opposition to each other, they are as different as they can be. Venus symbolizes harmony, beauty, pleasure, and love, while Pluto symbolizes transformation, sex, death, rebirth, and intimacy.
In synastry, Pluto brings intensity, obsession, possessiveness, and a craving for intimacy. Pluto wants to dig deep to find out what’s below the surface. Superficiality does not attract Pluto; he wants something deep. He wants something transformative, something that transcends the boundaries between two people. Not in the spiritual Neptunian way, but in a more physical and psychological way. Venus, on the other hand, wants balance and harmony. Venus is known as a shallow planet as it craves beauty and cooperation above all else.
When Pluto meets Venus in synastry, the Beast meets the Beauty. Pluto is not impressed by the social graces and flowery tastes of Venus. He is tremendously attracted to her charm, her grace and beauty, yes, but her attraction stems far beyond her outward beauty. Pluto sees directly into the psyche of Venus. He wants to uncover the layers of her and he wants to know her deepest, darkest secrets. He wants to take Venus to the depths of intimacy, where true union and intimacy take place. At first, Venus is retrieved; she is scared and intrigued by Pluto. She is flattered by her attention and her interest in getting to know her, but her intensity is terrifying. She loves her passion as it makes her feel desired and beautiful. Venus knows that she cannot hide from Pluto and the temptation is hard to resist. If Pluto feels that her intensity level is not matched by Venus, he will increase her intensity until they are on the same level.
As in all aspects of Pluto synastry, the Pluto person has the “upper edge” and Venus is the submissive partner. As the relationship develops, the couple become demanding of each other. The fear of missing out affects both, generating feelings of insecurity, jealousy and possessiveness. Pluto wishes to completely dominate and control Venus, while Venus is eager to please Pluto. Pluto will continue to dig and dig into Venus’s mind until he is satisfied with Venus’s affection. “All or Nothing” characterizes this union. Pluto is unwilling to share Venus and uses manipulative tactics to ensure that Venus belongs to him and him alone.
Pluto forces Venus to see something about herself that she wanted to keep hidden. Her role is to transform Venus by exploring the depths of intimacy and sharing. The relationship is highly sexual and the chemistry is addictive. This level of passion is the highest it will ever be for her as the two of them explore and develop each other’s deepest, darkest secrets and fantasies. This aspect can also result in sexual exploitation, given Pluto’s dominance over Venus and Venus’ desire to please Pluto in any way she can.
If you’ve ever read “Fifty Shades of Grey,” you have a good understanding of Venus-Pluto in synastry. In the book, handsome young millionaire Gray meets an innocent young virgin, Ana, and the two begin a sexual relationship, characterized by dominance and submission. Gray calls the shots in the relationship, telling her that the relationship will only be sexual in nature. Gray tests Ana’s sexual limits, bringing out a sexual side of her that he never knew existed. Ana eventually tires of the relationship and leaves Grey, but the level of passion and intimacy the two shared will never be forgotten.
One final note: Venus-Pluto aspect synastry can also result in financial exploitation. In addition to love and beauty, Venus also rules finances and personal possessions. Pluto can take advantage of Venus’ desire to please him by taking charge of his finances.
The above description applies especially to hard aspects between Venus and Pluto in synastry. The sextile and the trine encapsulate the positive side of Venus-Pluto; there is intensity and obsession, but it is less absorbing and negative than what we find in the hard aspects.