Pluto Retrograde š Apr 24 – Oct 2
Apr 24 ā Oct 2, 2019
Planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards ā it is an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motionĀ appearsĀ to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system.Ā In astrology, this illusion manifests as a ābackwardsā functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.
PlutoĀ transforms fear into power; teaches divineĀ trust; builds integrity and self-accountability; and examines control dynamics. WhenĀ we make life-altering decisions, Pluto is present. Pluto represents shift. It is through Pluto that the psyche is symbolically demolished and renewed.
Since November 2008, Pluto has been in Capricorn. The sea goat is the patriarch of the zodiac, ruler of all things structural, institutional and societal. The purpose of Pluto in CapricornĀ is to reorganize society so that we may live in harmony with the natural cycles of our planet and the greater Universe. This means complete overhaul of global governments and economics. Pluto in Capricorn exposes hypocrisy, corruption and greed rotting the framework of failing systems. The media reports so regularly on heretofore hidden, quasi-governmental scandals that we have become desensitized. No more blind trust in institutions. Most importantly, Pluto in Capricorn examines the great imbalance between masculine and feminine energy on our planet. I am confident that by the end of this transit, we will return to ancient wisdom as a way of life.
Pluto turns retrograde 5 months out of the year. Normally Pluto unearths darkness in the public sphere. When retrograde, he brings massive change to our personal lives. This next journey comes from deep within the soul, and you already know it very well. Pluto Retrograde advances from the inside out, intensely pressurizing the ego until an updated psychological structureĀ bursts forth. This transit brings us closer, year after year, to who we must become.
Pluto Retrograde is the ultimate evolutionary. This transit purges the psychic underworld, extracting grief and fear embedded in unconscious memories. External change is directly proportional to internal change. Do the work and you will heal. To heal is to be reborn.
By the end of this cycle you will attain a higher level of understanding regarding your deepest, most challenging work at this time. Meditate on struggles which have persisted over your entire lifetime. The destination has already been set in motion, so what is more important (but less obvious) is how we react to what we encounter along the way. Change is inevitable and itās rising quickly, but we can direct its course.
Days worth mentioning early on in the retrograde: May 2 (challenging), May 9 (challenging), May 13 (harmonious), May 17 (harmonious), June 2 (harmonious). On June 19, Pluto will oppose both Mercury & Mars in Cancer. This is not a good day to travel or hold important conversations. Release of anger highly likely.
Tension is also possible on July 14 when the sun directly opposes Pluto. When Capricorn is confronted by Cancer, Capricorn’s opposite, our frustration pours out in torrents. We want change and we want it now. We feel wounded, impatient to heal. This is also true on July 21 when Pluto opposes Venus in Cancer. Interpersonal conflict likely.
Gold star days include Sep 6, Sep 8, Sep 13 & Sep 19. At the very end of the retrograde cycle, we have two contentious days worth mentioning. On Sep 26, Pluto squares Mercury. On Sep 30, he squares Venus. Avoid travel and important communications on the former day. Avoid social engagements on the latter.
The most exciting aspect comes early next year, after the retrograde has ended: a conjunction with Saturn in Capricorn in Jan 2020.Ā I will delve much more into this auspicious conjunction on my upcoming post on Saturn Retrograde, so don’t miss it. A lot of the impatience that we feel will dissipate with this conjunction, as Saturn (ruler of Capricorn) arrives to expedite the metamorphosis. Under this influence, we will see change happen – things getting done – real progress – forward motion. It’s time to walk the talk. It’s time to demolish and rebuild.
Celebrate Pluto Retrograde with Capricorn Yoga. I was born with Pluto retrograde. To find your Pluto sign and whether he was direct or retrograde when you were born, click here.
Mantra: Ā change is good
I also have Pluto RX (in Scorpio). You don’t feel it, Ren? I’m gonna observe myself very closely over the next 5 months and see if I can sense any deep psyche restructuring. I’m a Jupiterian (Sun in Pisces, Moon in Sag) and so feel Jupiter RX much more strongly. Glad it’s finally going direct.
Oh I feel it :) I was born with Pluto Rx in Scorpio, as well as Saturn, Uranus and Neptune Rx. I include the little disclaimer at the bottom for those who are less sensitive to these things. However, those who are strongly connected to Plutonian energy will likely feel the shift regardless of whether or not he’s retrograde.