Saturn-Pluto: Battling Anxiety by Hiding from Pluto’s Shadow

Copycat,” a gripping psychological thriller, showcases the fascinating character of Dr. Helen Hudson, portrayed by the talented Sigourney Weaver – a criminologist extraordinaire who’s spent her life dancing with the devil, trying to decipher the convoluted minds of criminals. Her expertise becomes both a gift and a curse as she finds herself entangled in a sinister web of events that challenge her very understanding of the human psyche. The film’s narrative takes an intense turn when one of Dr. Hudson’s former students, Cullum, becomes a disturbing figure in her life. Following her engaging lecture at a nearby university, Cullum’s descent into the shadows culminates in a shocking encounter in a bathroom. From his concealed vantage point, he perpetrates an unthinkable act, taking Dr. Hudson hostage and orchestrating a brutal murder on a police man that shatters the boundaries of her academic pursuits.

Helen isn’t having the time of her life, I tell you. This evil monster beats her to a pulp, leaving her all battered and bruised. It’s like Saturn himself, the god of barriers and boundaries, decided to take a day off and let Pluto, the king of the underworld, have a go at her. The ensuing events have a profound impact on Dr. Hudson’s psyche. The physical and psychological trauma she endures at the hands of her captor leaves her battered, both physically and emotionally. This trauma symbolizes the Saturn-Pluto angle present in the film, where Saturn represents self-protection, defenses, and fear, and Pluto symbolizes the hidden, the subconscious, and the darker aspects of existence. After the traumatic attack, what does she do? She barricades herself in her apartment like a modern-day hermit, locking out the big, bad world. Saturn’s all about security, and Helen’s Saturnine retreat is like building an emotional fortress to protect herself from Pluto’s shadowy advances.

Dr. Hudson’s self-imposed isolation parallels the Saturn-Pluto aspect. Her hermit-like existence becomes a symbol of the internal struggle between confronting one’s deepest fears and succumbing to the grip of the unknown. The clash between Saturn and Pluto is mirrored in Hudson’s internal conflict, as she grapples with her own irrational fears and emotional constraints. As the plot unfolds, her determination is reignited, and she resolves to confront the malevolent force that has disrupted her life. In “Copycat,” her journey from victimhood to empowerment encapsulates the transformative potential of facing one’s inner demons and breaking free from the restrictive bonds that Saturn and Pluto can symbolize. The film serves as a chilling reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit has the power to overcome, adapt, and ultimately triumph over the shadows that threaten to consume it.

Dr. Hudson isn’t about to roll over and play dead. No, she’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes, channeling her inner warrior spirit. The more she stares into the abyss, the more she realizes she’s got the power to flip the script on this whole mad situation. 

The fear that arises from an unknowable and uncontrollable external source, often associated with a Saturn-Pluto aspect in astrology, can have major psychological implications. This combination symbolizes a dynamic interplay between two planetary giants that gives rise to unique emotional responses and behavioral patterns. At the core of this aspect is the intense energy of Pluto, which represents the depths of transformation, power dynamics, and unseen forces. Pluto’s influence can evoke strong reactions, much like the sudden onset of a panic attack in response to a frightening stimulus. This could manifest as an overwhelming fear of being overtaken by hidden or uncontrollable powers, fueling a deep need for security and stability in one’s environment – a need represented by Saturn.

Saturn, known as the cosmic timekeeper, symbolizes structure, boundaries, and the establishment of a secure and familiar foundation. When in aspect to Pluto, Saturn’s energy may be harnessed to create a sense of safety by setting clear boundaries and constructing a shield against the mysterious and potentially destructive forces associated with Pluto. In this context, the psychologist’s attempt to define Pluto (criminal underworld) can be seen as an effort to provide a sense of structure and control, allowing her to face her fears and uncertainties more effectively.

Pluto’s lurking in the shadows, making us feel vulnerable. Saturn steps in, donning its armor, saying, “Right, let’s define this Pluto character, create some boundaries around it.” Our psychologist, brave soul that she is, tries to label Pluto, make it something we can understand and use as a shield against the unknown. Imagine being caught off guard, like walking through a dark alley and suddenly feeling like you’re being watched by unseen eyes. That’s Pluto’s influence right there. Enter Saturn –  the master of a stable and secure environment. It’s like building a fortress to keep those Plutonian demons at bay. Saturn is your barrier, your shield against the chaos that Pluto stirs up.

Helen Hudson’s struggle to repel the influence of Pluto from her consciousness is a vivid example of the resistance we often mount against certain facets of our nature. However, despite her best efforts, Pluto’s potency breaches her defenses, illustrating the futility of attempting to completely shield ourselves from any facet of the natural world, even its more disquieting aspects. In the face of Pluto’s overwhelming intensity, the instinctive response is often one of retreat – a retreat aimed at protecting oneself from its potential repercussions. This self-imposed isolation stems from an instinctual urge to shield oneself from the overwhelming power of Pluto.

However, this self-imposed isolation might not necessarily be the optimal approach. While withdrawing and protecting oneself from the force of Pluto is a natural and primal reaction, it might not lead to the most profound personal growth or self-awareness. This withdrawal is a phase, a temporary maneuver that eventually gives way to a more integrative and transformative understanding of the complex forces at play.

Retreating, it’s like a pit stop for a while. You’re taking a breather, shielding yourself from the overwhelming forces, and that’s fine. But sooner or later, you have poke your head out, see what’s going on beyond the barricades. The universe isn’t static, it’s a living and breathing. So, while it’s necessary for a while to tuck yourself away, eventually you have got to venture back out. Let Pluto’s intensity wash over you. It’s going change you, but that’s where the real gold is – growing, evolving, understanding yourself in ways you never thought possible.