Book Review: Healing Pluto Problems by Donna Cunningham

Why this book matters in our time

TW: This book, and review, will touch on very hard issues such as abuse, substance use, incest, molestation, rape, etc. 

Healing Pluto Problems: An Astrological Guide by Donna Cunningham recently got an update with Weiser rolling out its Classics Series. First published in 1986, when one of the most potent Pluto transits, in his native home of Scorpio, had just gotten underway about 2.5 years prior. Understandably, there was a need for this book at that time, when so many issues revolving around such Plutonian issues as drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse and sexual abuse were coming to light, and new, innovative ways of treating and helping those who had gone through these issues, were emerging. We’re about 25 or so years removed from the end of that transit, and Pluto is currently retrograde in Aquarius, now squaring that very transit that so many late Millennials have in their chart (I myself was born under this Scorpionic Pluto transit). This book matters now, because Pluto in Aquarius brings radical societal, and personal change. We see it everyday in our current society; it seems like everyone’s losing their minds, doesn’t it?

That’s Pluto and Aquarius energies mixed. Rebellion; change; healing; transformation; and those who will fight against it. We also see those who are more resistant to this change that can be so radical, and while I can’t in good conscience, as an Astrologer, pinpoint one age range, generation, or placement that makes one so clearly set against radical change, even if it’s as healing as Aquarius holds promise of. Despite this, the best archetype I can affix to this phenomena is Capricorn; rigid at times, more likely to be against change in tradition, etc. I’m not at all saying Capricorns are bad, as I know many of them who are wonderful people; that’s the best and simplest way of explaining this strange divide we humans seem to have at our core at this present time, with the current transits of the planets, especially the outer ones.

There’s whole generation of Millennials with Pluto in Scorpio, myself included, who have in many ways, kickstarted this process of radical change. Of course, there are those in my generation who are not examples of a healed Plutonian, but I have noticed that at our core, the change we need and want is deep, radical, and at times, painful. I personally, as a heavy Plutonian, with Pluto ruling my chart, residing with 5 other Scorpio placements, have accepted from a very early age that this change needs to come, and is happening now. My generation also shares another powerful, restrictive and traditionally malefic planet’s transit, and that’s Saturn in Aquarius. Your natal Pluto squares your natal Saturn, and just after your first Saturn return ends, transiting Pluto conjoins that natal Saturn placement. Millennials aren’t crazy, lazy, or anything else we’ve been called; we’re breaking humanity free from its self imposed chains, and it hurts sometimes. Rant over, I digress. This book matters now, as it ever did, because of everything mentioned above.

A Plutonian’s take on Healing Pluto Problems

I found this text to be incredibly healing on a personal level, and even though I’ve done my fair share of shadow work, I found new ways of looking at what the author terms “Pluto Problems” in a new light, ones that I hadn’t considered before. The book takes a psychological approach, using Jungian Archetype theory, psychoanalysis, flower remedies, and meditations, chakra clearing and balancing, as well as mantras and affirmations. The book is filled with practical suggestions, with cautionary statements about possible ramifications of actions like confronting an abuser, etc. I found the author’s prose relatable (in part because they are also a Plutonian), warm and positive, even when discussing some of the darker aspects of Pluto, and the issues in life they touch upon. This edition seems to have been updated with Trigger Warnings for content that might trigger those who have experienced such issues as incest, molestation, abuse, etc., which I found tasteful and inclusive given what we now know about trauma. This was the first book in a while that had such depth I found myself reading it until 3 or 4 am (surprise, surprise, a Plutonian craving depth, even in leisure activities).

Donna Cunningham’s depth, investigative techniques of getting to the core of issues, and subsequent suggestions as to helping yourself through these problems, captivated me. I would recommend this book to any one of my clients, anyone with an interest in Astrology, Shadow work, and even psychology! I personally appreciated the psychological takes within the book, having a degree in psychology, and having worked at a crisis center for a few years. It also seemed to back up Shadow Work practices with what many more modern books on shadow work seem to leave out:the more scientific, psychological approach to your Pluto Problems.

Be forewarned, “Healing Pluto Problems”  is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for a dabbler in Shadow work; to properly work with this book, you have to be committed, serious and disciplined. You have to know yourself. For Astrologers, I found that the suggestions, again, coming from a psychoanalyst and professional astrologer, were pertinent in dealing with the more difficult cases, even during readings. Explaining the kundalini rising that happens during an incredibly powerful and healing session, and how many (especially Plutonians, whether the client or reader) will perceive it as sexual attraction or magnetism, how to deal with this issue, as well as other issues you may encounter as either a reader, therapist, or both! Cunningham even discusses the root of the “therapist and patient” taboo against relationships of those sorts. I also found it highly appealing that Cunningham included a section of suggested reading pertaining to the matters at hand in the current chapter, as well as a full bibliography at the end of the book, and Astrological references after that!

“Healing Pluto Problems: An Astrological Guide” is the book we’ve always needed, that we never knew we needed, and I applaud Donna Cunningham for first publishing this hidden gem.

Donna Cunningham sadly passed away in 2017, but her legacy will live on in her work, and those who are inspired by her work, such as myself. She was respected internationally as an Astrologer, Counselor, and lecturer. She earned a Master’s in social work from Columbia University and obtained nearly two decades of experience counseling abused women and many other individuals. She wrote several other seminal astrology texts, such as “Moon Signs” and “How to Read Your Astrological Chart”. Cunningham was taught by Richard Idemon, who blended astrology and psychology, which is where she developed her unique approach to therapy and astrology.

About the Author:

Hello there! I’m the Modern Merlin, and I’ve been a Polytheist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Shaman and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and working with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as Yoruba & Voodoo deities. I study and practice Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination. I give readings and spiritual services on my Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!