Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn

Following Saturn’s lead, Pluto shifts into reverse just five days later, on April 22. We may not observe much of a change when Pluto moves backward, since the psychotherapist planet takes us on a journey to our hidden realms even when moving direct. But with Pluto retrograde in Capricorn, we will still benefit from paying close attention to the unconscious patterns that drive our actions, particularly as they relate to our use of authority. And the potentially explosive Mars– Pluto conjunction on April 26 will be all the more powerful because Pluto is just four days past its station, still virtually at a standstill.

Pluto retrograde in transit is a regular cycle lasting five months every year, during the opposition to the Sun. As with all outer planets, it causes less concern than the rarer inner planet retrogrades. When Pluto goes retrograde it is good to reflect on how we are doing with change and transformation.

Transiting Pluto retrograde is a time of reflection about power and control in your life. If people have been controlling or manipulating you then now is the time to let them go. If you have been too controlling of others or situations then it is time to let go. This is not a time for power tripping but a time for elimination.

Fated events and repeating themes will reinforce which of your controlling habits, compulsions, addictions or prejudices must be eliminated. If you have been too smothering and controlling in a relationship, holding on too tight, then you may be forced to let go. If obsessive or compulsive behavior involving food or drugs has taken hold of your life, then events may force a turn around. The more intense your destructive behavior, the more extreme the detoxing or withdrawal stage will be, such as going cold turkey.