To some modern Western astrologers, Pluto is the ruling planet of Scorpio. Called "the great renewer", Pluto is considered to represent the part of a person that destroys in order to renew. A commonly used keyword for Pluto is "transformation". Many more traditional astrologers do not use Pluto as a ruling planet, but do use the planet for chart interpretation and predictive work.

Pluto is also associated with extreme power and corruption: the discovery of Pluto in 1930 coincided with the rise of fascism in Europe and the major proliferation of organized crime in the United States. It is also associated with nuclear armament, which had its genesis in the research of that decade.

Pluto positioned in first house results in an increased intensity to the personality and a more powerful will. Your personality is magnetic, and you often crave power, as the ego is very strong. You may have an expanded sense of initiative, but find it more difficult to work with people than your Ascendant suggested. This is because of the powerful and dominating tendencies in your nature. There is also a mystery here, as you are a difficult person to get to know. Conformity is never easy for you.

Pluto positioned in the second house results in an enhancement of any drive you may have for acquiring material resources. You are resourceful in making money, often perceiving hidden opportunities others may overlook. Mining operations or research projects often produce gain. In certain cases, the legitimacy of methods employed in gaining wealth can be questioned. The financial circumstances can be subject to wide swings of gains or losses.

Pluto in the third house shows the possibility of disruptive occurrences altering your early childhood, family relations, and education. This position adds a penetrating dimension to your mind. You comprehend the deep meaning of communications with others, and you develop very strong and often controversial opinions. Your opinions are either expressed in a very forceful manner or you are totally silent on the subject. You are likely to be interested in the study of deep and complex matters, and you have an almost compulsive need to learn.

Pluto in the fourth house results in a degree of tension in the home environment, and a dominating attitude with family members. Power struggles can develop in this environment. There is a strong and deep-seated attachment to the home or the land. This can sometimes extend to a serious interest in earth sciences or professions.