January begins with a Pluto/Mars conjunction and the Bush Administration announces a "surge" in troops for the Iraq War. This is met by intense opposition from Congress and the electorate, which has become increasingly intolerant of the loss of life in the Middle East campaign.

Pluto/Mars relates to the psychological dynamics of aggression. In lieu of deteriorating conditions in an unpopular war, the proposed surge is seen as a desperate attempt to emerge victorious (Mars). The stakes have become very high for Bush -- the announcement coming at the Pluto/Mars conjunction suggests the controlling manner in which the war is being waged. As Pluto relates to extremes, this maneuver has the flavor of being "all or nothing" in terms of possible success. The backlash the Administration is experiencing has Plutonian overtones with the overwhelming anger at the war's (mis)management.

Furthermore the Pluto/Mars conjunction falls in Sagittarius. The 9th sign relates to philosophical/political viewpoints as well as having an overseas reach. The warlike philosophy (Mars in Sagittarius) has met its match with Pluto involved. This act of aggression (Mars) is being exposed for its brutality, coercion, and the deep wounding (Pluto) it has inflicted on the world stage. Considering the escalation was announced at this hostile moment, prospects for diplomacy and cooperation seem unlikely.

The interchange between Pluto and Mars is perhaps the most violent, uncompromising, overtly intense and downright frightening in all of astrology. It correlates with rape (and other sexual violations), war, abuse of power and the urgency of the libidinous energies. The primal scream is one example of the ferocity of this exchange.

As Pluto always relates to the descent into the unconscious for ultimate healing, the positive potentialities of Pluto/Mars used with clarity is formidable. It promises the regeneration of the assertive drive to be used consciously for maximal impact in a worldly sense. Healthy and healed, Pluto/Mars becomes determined, even relentless, in pursuing a mission. Wrestling (Mars) with the dark (Pluto) provides familiarity with the terrain. Dispersing the energy with awareness results in leadership and fearlessness in contributing to our collective evolution.