The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Peter Jackson films that brought them into vivid cinematic life are steeped in the dark myth and magic that is Pluto’s dark realm. Astrologer Steven Birchfield has written an interesting essay making this connection:

To explain how I experience Pluto I ‘m going to reflect on a brief passage from one of this centurys’ greatest literary pieces (my opinion of course!), “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien. If you are familiar with the story, I’m quoting from the passage where Frodo and Sam are entering Mordor via a dark subteranean tunnel, bringing to mind Pluto of the underworld.

All is heavy and black as the blackest night when they become aware of a danger, stealthily approaching in the darkness. While they could not “see” what lay before them, they “sensed” the danger and an unspeakable fear came upon them.

“Slowly his hand went to his bosom, and slowly he held aloft the phial of Galadriel. For a moment it glimmered, faint as a rising star….”

And so we reach, stretching for the light that shines within ourselves.

“…. as its power waxed, and hope grew in Frodo’s mind, it began to burn, and kindled to a silver flame, a minute heart of dazzling light.. .. .. The darkness receded from it until it seemed to shine in the centre of a globe of airy crystal, and the hand that held it sparkled with white fire….”

When Frodo and Sam came upon the danger in the form of a montrous Shelob, filled with malice, their fear returned. Frodo’s hand wavered, which held the light of the Phial and immediately the Shelob charged them. They fled in terror. Frodo turned around and looked behind him, as the stench of death was like a cloud about him. He realized that flight was useless. “Stand! Stand! He cried desperately, “Running is no use.” ….

Frodo faced his fear and his heart flamed within him. He gathered his courage with the Phial in his left hand and with his right hand drew his sword. Holding the star aloft and the bright sword advanced, Frodo, hobbit of the Shire, walked steadily down to meet the eyes that shone from the Shelob. One by one the eyes went dark, the danger turned away and they were gone. In this way, he overcame his fear and the danger which stood before them.

When we draw out the power that Pluto holds, and it is joined by a mind and heart that is not afraid but full of hope, faith and love; it’s power grows to “push back” the encroaching darkness and reveals the true danger.

Thanks to Elsa’s Astrology News for the link.