Pluto Retrograde 🐐 Apr 25 – Oct 4

Artist: Loretta Egan

Apr 25 – Oct 4, 2020

Planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

When we make life-altering decisions, Pluto is present. Pluto represents irreversible shift. Through Pluto, the psyche is demolished and renewed. Pluto transforms fear into power, divine trust, and integrity.

Since November 2008, Pluto has been in Capricorn. The sea goat rules all things structural, institutional, and societal. The purpose of Pluto in Capricorn is to reorganize society so that we may once again live in harmony with the natural cycles of our planet and the greater Universe. This means complete overhaul of global politics and economics. Pluto in Capricorn exposes the hypocrisy, corruption, and greed rotting the framework of our failing systems. The media reports so regularly on global cabals and scandals that we have become desensitized. 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 matrilineal wisdom as a way of life.

Pluto turns retrograde 5 months out of the year. When retrograde, Pluto brings subtle change to our interior lives. This next journey comes from deep within the soul, and you already know it very well. Pluto Retrograde advances from the inside out, pressurizing the ego until a newly formed psyche 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. By the end of this cycle, you will have a new level of understanding regarding your deepest, most challenging work. The destination has already been set in motion, so what is more important (but less obvious) is how we react along the way. Do not expect anything outwardly dramatic to happen; think of this retrograde as a slow burn.

The first day of Pluto Retrograde looks interesting: about 12 hours before the retrograde begins, Pluto squares Mercury in Aries. We will be tested in our ability to remain calm and cool in the face of change on a macro level (Pluto in Capricorn). In general this aspect brings up frustration and impatience. In the evening, after the retrograde begins, Mercury then squares Jupiter in Capricorn. This aspect indicates that (minor) accidents are likely, usually because we are moving too fast (common when Jupiter is aspected in a square or opposition). If you have plans, they may be cancelled last minute. We will also be more emotionally touchy at this time.

Gold star days early in the retrograde include May 9 (Pluto Rx trine Mercury in Taurus) & May 14 (Pluto Rx trine the Taurus sun). On June 29, Pluto will be conjunct Jupiter Retrograde in Capricorn. We just saw this on Apr 4 and will see it once more on Nov 12. This conjunction signals that it is time to collaborate on a global scale. Jupiter delivers boundless growth and expansion. In Capricorn, this means financial/professional growth. Paradoxically, though we will be working together to better the world, our drive and motivation will come from personal ambition – a desire for self-improvement on a profound level. This conjunction brings people, materials, and beliefs together to hone institutions like education, grants/loans/funds, taxes, and the legal system. We will uncover resources which have been previously ignored as a result of socio-political machinations. We will rise together.

Challenging days include July 15 (Pluto opposite Sun in Cancer). 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 true also on Aug 30 when Pluto opposes tender Venus in Cancer – interpersonal conflict likely. Before then, Pluto opposes Mercury on Aug 1. This is not a good day to travel, sign documents, or schedule important conversations. Treat this as you would Mercury Retrograde. Another tense, fiery day comes on Aug 13 when Pluto squares Mars at home in Aries.

More gold star days include Sep 1 (Pluto trine Mercury at home in Virgo) and Sep 14 (Pluto trine the Virgo sun). Pluto squares Mercury on Sep 20 – this is essentially identical to the opposition of Aug 1, so pay close attention to that first date. Once again, you treat this as a mini Mercury Retrograde.

Celebrate the first day of this psychic voyage with Capricorn Yoga. I was born with Pluto retrograde! To find your Pluto sign and whether this planet was direct or retrograde when you were born, click here.

Affirmation:  I am ready to heal