Plutonem ire retro licet.
Retrogrades [In particular, Pluto] are a time of reflection. They indicate when a planet’s energy begins is exhibited on a more internal level rather than an external one.
This year, Pluto goes retrograde in Capricorn from April to October. This occurs yearly for about 5 to 6 months. It appears as if it is going backward but it is actually stationary. When Pluto retrogrades, we are given an opportunity to dive below the surface and better acquaint ourselves with our deepest psychological and subconscious issues.
Because astrology is founded on the principle of as above, so below.
Layman’s terms? What’s going on celestially will affect what is going on terrestrially [people, places & things]. Pluto’s drive during this retrograde is aimed towards the internal as opposed to the external. This retrograde makes us reassess what we are doing to prepare for our futures. Retrogrades symbolize times of pulling back, re-thinking, re-evaluating, reviewing, and looking internally. Looking from within. Think of it as a catapult– we have to pull back before we can shoot forward. A retrograde is just that. Pulling back.
Pluto is also linked to power, control, and wealth, and riches so these are the areas that we are going to see highlighted whenever his energy ebbs and flows. Pluto is always the mirror. Our mirror. For better or worse, he will shine a light on what needs to be modified and transformed in our lives. That’s it. Pluto just reflects. It is our actions that determine the way we choose to go.
But I want to mention, not all retrogrades are the same.
There is this fear that ensues any time the word “retrograde” is used. Why? I blame this on the infamous Mercury retrograde. However, other RX planets don’t behave or have the same effect as Mercury Retrograde. The best way to understand the retrograde concept? Think about what the energy of the planet is and how it reacts in its opposite. For Mercury, the planet of technology, the lower mind, communication, and the plans and actions associated with that. When he does his backspin, all those things can literally go haywire. Mail lost, Your files being lost and irretrievable, texts from the ex, more arguments and misunderstandings. But for Pluto, the energy is about power. Power and the subconscious forces, secrets, toxicity, etc. Pluto is deep, volcanic, and transformative power. As a result, the effect he has on us can be downright Vesuvian.
As stated before, Pluto is our engine.
He’s the energy that hums in the background. He is our existentialism. Our deepest and darkest desires. And what happens with him and his energy is those desires within contemplate and stew until they’ve gathered strength, and then propel outward with the thrust of a rocket [You’ll observe this when Puto goes direct as well]. Don't be surprised if you see some of the uglier parts of yourself surface just so you can be aware. Your demons might come to the surface and you’ll have to make peace with them. Pluto is the reawakener. So as a result, change in Pluto’s direction will bring a change in attitude toward things relating to the dead, sex, occult, psychology, and spiritual beliefs. If Uranus breaks and Neptune dissolves, Pluto annihilates. He is an atomic bomb to Neptune’s fog/mist and Uranus’ lightning bolts. Pluto rules all the mysteries of life and the spirit world, both good and evil. you’ll have to find balance between those two parts of you during this period, and perhaps even with others. Pluto retrograde gives inner strength. He reawakens previously weakened parts of us, our bodies, our psyche’s, etc, so issues with your body, your appearance, or in general your sense of self might be things brought to your attention [Scorpio risings should probably pay attention to this]. Remember this is the sub-conscious and the planet of transformation we’re talking about, so intense and deep-rooted changes will be catalyzed.
In direct motion, this power is projected outwardly, but retrograde motion projects the power inwardly.
So, how will this affect you?
Force change regarding unhealthy circumstances or situations.
.Allow for a more Scorpionic mindset, i.e investigate problems/ track down the root cause of problems and observe issues that’ve been repressed.
Repressed emotions and other internal issues come to the surface calling for resolution.
The Truth coming out in more ways than one.
Working on obsessive behavior and compulsion.
The breaking bad habits and ridding yourself of addiction, patterns, obsessions, compulsions.
Intolerance for wishy-washy behavior from others.
Ridding yourself of people and values that no longer serve you.
Remember: as above, so below.
This isn’t just the influence of the pandemic. Think about the past few months. Think back to where you were October prior. Where are you now? Are there any themes or even intentions you set that are manifesting somehow now? Are there things you need to pay attention to? Are there people/a person you have unhealthy attachments to? Things that are best left alone that you find yourself addicted to? There are many clues about what is going on within you and around you in the world that are linked back to the cosmos [i.e Saturn-Pluto conjunction earlier at the start of the year].
These are just a few examples/key reasons that Pluto retrograde and its transits are important. Pluto is also an outer planet meaning it’s orbit around the sun takes much longer than most of our speedier inner planets. Pluto transits can dominate whole years of our lives. If one of our natal planets is caught in the cobwebs of Pluto’s retrograde stations, the effects may be undeniably intense as well as long-lasting. See your birth chart to determine where and with what planets that is occurring. Be sure to pay attention to the houses Pluto is transiting as well.
