Mars Retrograde in Leo Opposite Pluto in Aquarius

Through the Lens of "The Count of Monte Cristo"

Jan 03, 2025

With my ascendant, South Node, Saturn, and Pluto all in Scorpio, I’ve become intimately familiar with the themes of power, control, and transformation—the quintessential themes of Mars and Pluto. These two planets, co-rulers of Scorpio, embody raw ambition and profound evolution. Mars, as the ancient ruler, drives Scorpio’s fiery will to survive and conquer, while Pluto, the modern ruler, adds layers of intensity, depth, and the ability to rise from the ashes. Together, they create a potent blend of action and transformation—and nowhere is this energy more vividly illustrated than in the pages of my most favorite story, Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo.

I’ll admit it: I think because of all my Scorpio placements, I’m a sucker for a story that brimming with revenge, vindication, justice, and karmic payback. I just rewatched The Count of Monte Cristo and I realized, it isn’t just my most favorite movie/book of all time—it’s a perfect masterclass to learn about themes of a Mars-Pluto aspect!!! Naturally, I had to do a deep-dive into this epiphany.

So, let’s take a moment to bask in the raw, unfiltered power of Mars opposite Pluto. This isn’t an astrological aspect that just tiptoes into your life. Oh no, it kicks the door down, throws your ego into the fire, and then asks if you’re ready to rebuild. It’s intense, it’s transformative, and yes, it’s messy—but it’s also deeply compelling. And what better way to explore this dynamic energy than through the epic tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption that is The Count of Monte Cristo? If Mars opposite Pluto were a novel, it’d be this one. So, let’s dive in.

Mars and Pluto are like cosmic frenemies. Mars is your inner warrior, all fire and action. It’s the part of you that wants to fight, conquer, and survive. Pluto, on the other hand, is the shadowy overlord of transformation. It’s about power, control, and diving deep into the stuff we’d rather avoid. When these two face off in opposition, it’s like lighting a stick of dynamite—explosive, destructive, but ultimately transformative.

Here’s the kicker: Mars and Pluto are both rulers of Scorpio. Mars, as the ancient ruler, represents Scorpio’s fearless drive, its passion, and its instinct to survive and thrive. Pluto, the modern ruler, adds depth, intensity, and that signature Scorpio flair for transformation and rebirth. Together, they form a potent cocktail of primal energy and profound evolution. When Mars and Pluto clash in opposition, it’s Scorpio’s essence playing out in real time—passionate, uncompromising, and relentless.

This aspect is about conflict: external battles, internal struggles, and the tension between raw desire and deeper transformation. It forces you to confront power dynamics, hidden fears, and the lengths you’ll go to achieve your goals. It’s not subtle. It’s primal, intense, and, let’s be honest, a little scary. But it’s also where the magic happens. Growth, empowerment, and rebirth—all waiting on the other side of the fire.

The Count of Monte Cristo: A Mars-Pluto Masterclass

If you’ve read The Count of Monte Cristo, you already know it’s a wild ride of betrayal, vengeance, and ultimate transformation. Edmond Dantès doesn’t just live through Mars opposite Pluto energy; he embodies it. This story is the textbook definition of what happens when power, ambition, and justice collide with raw, unrelenting transformation. It’s not just a tale; it’s an odyssey of personal destruction and rebirth. Every twist and turn in Edmond’s journey mirrors the fiery, primal dance between Mars’ action-oriented drive and Pluto’s deep, transformative power.

What makes The Count of Monte Cristo such a perfect reflection of Mars opposite Pluto is its unflinching exploration of power dynamics and the darker shades of human nature. Betrayal, envy, and the hunger for justice push Edmond into a descent that destroys his former self, but also awakens something far more potent within him. His story is rich with themes of ruthless ambition, meticulous strategy, and the uncompromising pursuit of karmic balance. It’s a gripping reminder that Mars opposite Pluto doesn’t just deal with surface-level battles; it plunges straight into the soul’s depths, demanding transformation at any cost.

Edmond’s life starts out pretty sweet. He’s young, in love, and on the brink of success. Enter Pluto. Betrayed by those he trusted most, Edmond is wrongfully imprisoned and thrown into the dungeons of Château d’If. This is classic Pluto energy: the forced descent into the underworld. It’s about losing everything—your freedom, your identity, your hope—and being left with nothing but your raw, unvarnished self.

Pluto doesn’t mess around. It strips you down to your core, exposing every fear, weakness, and shadow you’ve been avoiding. For Edmond, this is a time of profound loss and suffering. But it’s also the crucible where his transformation begins. This is where Pluto’s alchemy kicks in—because once you’ve been shattered, you can start to rebuild.

Enter Mars. Edmond doesn’t just sit in his cell wallowing in despair. Nope. He fights. He learns. He plans. His meeting with Abbé Faria—a fellow prisoner and mentor—is a turning point. Faria doesn’t just teach Edmond about science, philosophy, and strategy; he plants the seeds of Edmond’s rebirth. And let’s not forget the treasure map. Talk about Mars and Pluto working together: knowledge (Pluto) paired with the drive to act (Mars).

This is the essence of Mars opposite Pluto. It’s about taking the pain and betrayal you’ve endured and using it as fuel for transformation. Edmond emerges from this phase with a new identity, new resources, and a burning desire for justice. He’s no longer just Edmond Dantès; he’s the Count of Monte Cristo, a force to be reckoned with.

Now we get to the juicy part: the revenge. Mars opposite Pluto doesn’t just sit back and let karma do the work. It is the karma. As the Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond meticulously dismantles the lives of those who betrayed him. This is Pluto at its most ruthless: calculated, strategic, and devastating. But it’s Mars that drives the action, giving Edmond the courage and determination to see his plans through.

Here’s where we see the shadow side of Mars opposite Pluto. This energy can become obsessive, even destructive. Edmond’s quest for vengeance consumes him, blinding him to the collateral damage he’s causing. It’s a reminder that while this aspect can be incredibly empowering, it also comes with a warning: power, unchecked, can destroy.

The story doesn’t end with revenge, and neither does Mars opposite Pluto. This aspect demands transformation, not just destruction. After achieving his vengeance, Edmond is faced with the emptiness it leaves behind. Pluto’s ultimate lesson is that true power isn’t about control or retribution; it’s about transformation and release.

Edmond’s redemption comes when he chooses love and hope over anger and obsession. By letting go of his need for control, he embraces a new chapter of his life. This is the higher expression of Mars opposite Pluto: using your power not to dominate, but to evolve.

Living Your Own Mars Opposite Pluto Story

Okay, so you’re probably not plotting an elaborate revenge against your enemies (or maybe you are—no judgment). But Mars opposite Pluto energy shows up in all our lives. It’s the power struggle with a boss, the internal battle with your own fears, or the relentless drive to overcome a challenge. Here’s how to work with this energy:

Face Your Shadows: Pluto doesn’t let you hide. What fears or insecurities are holding you back? Name them. Own them.
Channel Your Drive: Mars gives you the energy to act, but make sure you’re channeling it constructively. Obsession can burn you out.
Transform, Don’t Destroy: Mars-Pluto isn’t about annihilation; it’s about evolution. Focus on growth, not just tearing things down.

Why The Count of Monte Cristo Resonates

There’s a reason this story has stood the test of time. It’s not just a tale of revenge; it’s a journey of transformation. Edmond Dantès’ evolution from victim to avenger to redeemed soul mirrors the arc of Mars opposite Pluto. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s potential for growth and renewal.

Mars and Pluto, as co-rulers of Scorpio, are the ultimate duo for this kind of journey. They remind us that we’re capable of incredible resilience and transformation, even when faced with life’s most brutal challenges. Edmond’s story is a testament to the power of embracing both the warrior spirit of Mars and the transformative depths of Pluto.

So, the next time you’re feeling the intensity of Mars-Pluto energy—whether in your chart, in a transit, or just in life’s ups and downs—think of Edmond. Remember that the fight isn’t just about winning; it’s about who you become in the process.

Erin’s Substack

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