Exploring Chthonic Deities + Pluto in Astrology

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Happy Friday, friends! We’re taking a break from the Archangels until Sunday which happens to be Michaelmas. There will be a bonus edition of the newsletter in honour of Archangel Michael (aka St Michael) on that day.

Since we are in the Season of Persephone’s annual descent into the Underworld, we are diving deep into the world of Chthonic deities today, emphasising male (some lesser-known) deities from Greek mythology. Finally, we are looking into how Hades/Pluto finds expression in a person’s natal chart. I hope you enjoy learning about these topics. If you do, please give this article a like, leave a comment, or give it a share. Thank you!

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As some of you know, I’m working closely with Hekate at the moment and it is she who is guiding me to explore the male Chthonic deities. The reason for this is that she doesn’t want us to believe that all things dark or ‘underground’ are associated with the Divine Feminine. There is balance below as there is above.

Chthonic Deities vs Underworld Deities

‘Chthonic’ comes from the Greek word ‘khthon’ meaning ‘earth’ or ‘ground.’ Chthonic deities are specifically associated with the earth, underworld, and fertility.

While all chthonic deities are related to the underworld, not all underworld deities are necessarily chthonic. Chthonic deities have strong connections to the earth, agriculture, and the cycle of death and rebirth.

1. Worship practices: Chthonic deities were worshipped differently than Olympian or celestial gods:

   • Sacrifices were often made into pits or trenches dug into the ground

   • Black animals were commonly sacrificed. In the instance of Hekate, it was usually black dogs. However, she has let me know that this isn’t nor ever was it something she requested. Yes, she loved dogs. No, she doesn’t want us to slaughter them! It’s a bit like Christians justifying crusades, persecution of ‘heretics,’ and the slaughter of innocents in the name of Christ. Every religious era has its shadow that has nothing to do with the original teachings.

   • Libations of milk, honey, or water were often used instead of wine

   • Worshippers faced downward with palms down when praying

2. Dual nature: Some deities like Persephone, Demeter, and Hermes had both Chthonic and Olympian aspects, moving between the realms.

3. Associations: Chthonic deities are often associated with:

   • Fertility and Agriculture

   • Death and the afterlife

   • Wealth (precious metals and gems from the earth)

   • Prophecy and oracles

4. Examples: Key Chthonic deities include Hades, Persephone, Hekate, the Erinyes (Furies), and Chthonic aspects of gods like Zeus Chthonios and Hermes Chthonios.

5. Rituals: Chthonic rituals often involved nighttime ceremonies, burial of offerings, and practices aimed at communicating with the dead or underworld spirits.

The main difference between underworld deities and Chthonic deities is that Chthonic deities have a strong connection to the earth itself, fertility, and the cycle of life and death, while other underworld deities may simply reside in or rule over the underworld without these specific earthly associations.

Five Male Chthonic Deities

1. Hades

• Ruler of the Underworld and King of the Dead

• Associated with wealth (precious metals and gems from the earth)

• Correspondences: black animals, cypress trees, narcissus flowers

• Petition through offerings of dark wine, honey, and black animals

2. Hermes Chthonios

• Psychopomp who guides souls to the Underworld

• Associated with boundaries, travel, and communication

• Correspondences: caduceus (staff), winged sandals, travelers

• Petition through offerings at crossroads or by burying coins

3. Thanatos

• Personification of Death

• Twin brother of Hypnos (Sleep)

• Correspondences: inverted torch, butterfly, poppy

• Petition through nighttime rituals and offerings of black poppies

4. Hypnos

• God of Sleep

• Lives in a cave at the edge of the Underworld

• Correspondences: poppy, river Lethe (forgetfulness)

• Petition through dream incubation rituals and offerings of poppy seeds

5. Trophonius

• Chthonic oracle and former mortal hero

• Associated with prophecy and wisdom from the Underworld

• Correspondences: honey cakes, underground caves

• Petition through ritual purification and descent into sacred caves

In antiquity, chthonic deities were approached with caution and respect due to their association with death and the Underworld. It’s always good to research specific traditions and myths associated with each deity before petitioning them. That said, offerings and attempts to honour them are generally well received.

Hades/Pluto in Your Natal Chart

Now that we have more of a feel of Chthonic deities and the role they play, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at the King of the Dead through the lens of astrology. Here are some of the themes represented by the presence of Pluto (the Roman name for Hades) in your natal chart:

1. Transformation and Rebirth:
   Pluto in a birth chart represents profound transformation, death and rebirth cycles, and the ability to rise from the ashes like a phoenix. It governs major life changes that strip away the old to make way for the new.

2. Power and Control:
   The position of Pluto shows where individuals may experience power struggles or issues of control. It can indicate areas where one seeks to gain or maintain power, sometimes through manipulation or obsessive behavior.

3. The Unconscious and Hidden Aspects:
   Pluto rules all that is hidden, unseen, or buried. In a birth chart, it can represent the deepest parts of the psyche, including repressed emotions, fears, and desires.

4. Intensity and Depth:
   Pluto intensifies any planet or sector it touches in a chart. It brings depth and intensity to the area of life represented by its house position.

5. Generational Influence:
   Due to its slow movement, Pluto's sign position often represents generational themes shared by many born in the same era.

6. Personal Growth and Evolution:
   Pluto's placement can indicate where an individual needs to undergo significant personal growth and evolution, often through challenging experiences.

7. Relationship to the Hades/Pluto Archetype:
   The mythological Hades/Pluto was the ruler of the underworld, associated with wealth (precious metals from the earth) and the cycle of death and rebirth. In a birth chart, this translates to:

   • Areas of life where one may experience ‘descents’ or challenging periods that lead to personal growth

   • The ability to uncover hidden resources or talents

   • Potential for profound spiritual growth through confronting one's ‘dark side’

   • Capacity for regeneration and renewal after periods of crisis

8. Fated Experiences:
   Pluto's influence can bring about seemingly fated experiences that compel growth and change, much like Persephone's abduction in the myth.

9. Guardian of the Soul:
   In some interpretations, Pluto is seen as the ‘Guardian of the Soul,’ representing the deepest, most authentic parts of oneself that must be accessed for true growth.

10. The Mark of a Witch:

    If some of you suspected that Pluto aspects could be a marker for witches and a talent for magic and witchcraft, you’re not wrong. Check out this interesting article by Leah Whitehorse to learn more.

Understanding Pluto's position in a birth chart can provide insights into an individual's capacity for transformation, their relationship with power and control, and the areas of life where they may experience profound, soul-level changes throughout their lifetime.

Blessed be!