Pluto Retrograde in Aquarius
Opportunities
For the next several months, Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, does his slow backwards dance across the signs of Aquarius and Capricorn. From May 1st until October 11th, topics connected to Pluto – power, control, evolution, transformation as well as death and rebirth – become more magnified, yet at the same time, muted. Retrogrades have a way of highlighting planetary themes, whilst reflecting potential problems to be learnt and integrated.
With Pluto having recently shifted into the sign of Aquarius – on March 23rd – there’s been a collective transference of energy. Going from materially-focused, economy-driven and goal-orientated Capricorn into idealistic, independent and unusual Aquarius has been quite a change of gears. Since 2008, Pluto has emphasized and transformed the way that we do business, money and Capitalistic structures. Many old systems and traditions – a Capricorn theme – have collapsed and been replaced with new ones.
With Pluto in Aquarius, the power is now moving towards the collective. Towards freedom, the people, towards the transformation of technology and community. The last time Pluto was here, during the 1700’s, was the French revolution and the creation of the American Constitution.
So, what could we expect with this retrograde?
Well, seeing as Pluto dances across both signs, there’s certainly business – quite literal – that will have to be wrapped up and concluded. Pluto will move out of Aquarius on June 11th and end up going direct at 27 degrees of Capricorn in October. When any planet is at the last degrees of a sign, it’s known as an ‘Anaretic’ Degree.
Pluto has been here before, so we’ve already witnessed the urgency and crisis that this Degree creates. Crisis, in Greek, means ‘A Turning Point’. Thus, the symbolic energy that this represents manifests as tangible, 3D events in our own lives. We ourselves may face such a turning point. Perhaps this unfolds in our career or personal life, depending on where Pluto is transiting in our own Astrology chart. Those born near the end of the Cardinal signs (Capricorn. Cancer, Libra and Aries) or at the start of the fixed signs (Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio) will feel this the most.
Yet, this energy is also reflective in the Collective Unconscious. On the world stage, this retrograde may reveal what still needs to structurally shift, to die and be purged. Retrograde Pluto gives an opportunity to set things right, to tie up loose ends, face crisis and emerge changed, transformed and reborn.
Things may feel intense, but there’s also the sense of empowerment. Where in your world have you become more powerful or learnt to take control? Where could you, at the same time, release control and surrender a little more? Bring to mind the adage “May We Have The Serenity To Accept The Things We Can’t Change, The Courage To Change The Things We Can, And The Wisdom To Know The Difference”.
During his time in retrograde, Pluto will cross swords with Warlord Mars, on May 20th. This invites us to balance will and power. To avoid bullying or being bullied. Then, a connection to the Moon’s Karmic Nodes in July offers a last chance to purge toxic relationships or habitual patterns. Finally, two trines to the Sun and Mercury in Virgo in September allow us to more comfortably step into our power, to transform with grace and to speak with depth.
When Pluto moves
direct, on October 11th, we’ll be able to observe and understand the
depth to which we have all dived over the last few months. Then, and only then,
will we able to move forward with a more integrated understanding of our own authority.
Useful Pluto Retrograde in Aquarius Crystals
