We all know that nothing worth having comes easily. That may not be what mass media wants us to believe, but the inevitable truth does, eventually, weigh heavily in the end. So how do we accept this and move forward? Most of us might be disappointed by, what appears to be, a defeatist attitude. This might even sound like "glass half empty," talk. Actually, it is quite the opposite. Astrology has shown us that real growth comes from the difficult aspects. It may be a tired phrase, but it does apply; "when the going gets tough; the tough get going."

In astrology this is best represented by the squares and oppositions and, in some cases, the conjunctions, depending on which planets are involved and where they are transisting. Obviously, with Pluto transiting your ascendant you are most likely not waltzing down Hollywood Boulevard, for example. Pluto tends to tear down all existing structure and then rebuilds it with a better, more stable foundation. A Pluto transit is a tough pill to swallow, but remember that it is still a pill, which, of course, indicates healing and health. So that is the take away. Yes the medicine is tough, but the relief is worth it. In other words, delayed gratification. As author and psychologist, M. Scott Peck states so eloquently in his landmark book, The Road Less Traveled, "Delaying gratification is a process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with. It is the only decent way to live." How true.  

Uranus, by transit, can bring about unexpected events and connections. This, of course can be viewed in both realities as good or bad. Just as many unexpected good things happen as bad. That is important to remember since most of us run to the scary part of astrology, which is foolish and often inaccurate.  

When Uranus and Pluto meet (by square) we can expect events that bring about necessary awareness and then, eventual, restoration. The biggest bonus of such events is actually just that; awareness. Increased attention to a topic can yield significant results and progress. So while it may seem difficult at the time, eventually we can see the benefit. Over the next few months we may see an increase in these types of "growing-pain" events as Pluto and Uranus move closer by degree until late May when they are exact (Pluto at 11 degrees, Capricorn; to Uranus at 11 degrees, Aries.) The period leading up to this represents applying pressure. This is like a vice grinding shut or a window slowly closing. The pressure builds as the aspects get closer. We can expect to see significant changes as this type of energy applies. While it may be difficult during the applying season we have to recognize that, this too, will pass.     

As a country when we find ourselves in the midst of adversity and trial, what must we do? We must buckle down and get on with the difficult tasks at hand. And we have many: gun control, debt ceiling, foreign aid, racism, illiteracy, military spending, housing crisis, income inequity and so on, just to mention a few. We have forestalled the pain (bill paying) in favor of the pleasure (credit cards) and now we are deep into a tangle that requires a period of adversity to repair. This is how we grow. Learning lesson.   

Pluto is having his way with the US and will continue to do so until we find a way to solve these many problems. Once we do, we'll understand the "pleasure" (growth) that comes at the hand of "pain" (adversity.) Adversity delivers the depth and growth necessary for evolution. In this case, we can see this clearly in the astrology of the US. Pluto is currently moving through the first house of the US. This is the house of the ego and the basic self of the entity. Our core identity is under reconstruction. As we face these difficult transists we can finally adapt and reduce our influence on the world-wide stage as we turn towards ourselves in necessary action to heal our internal wounds. Once we have healed our inner wounds we can then go back to being the nurturing nation the world has come to recognize. First, the pain and then the pleasure; growth through adversity.