When Pluto moves from one sign to another in astrology, it’s considered a big deal. That’s why its recent move into Aquarius on March 23rd is considered one of the most significant astrological events of the year. Unlike the ‘personal’ planets such as Venus, Mercury and Mars, Pluto is considered ‘transpersonal,’ meaning it can have far-reaching implications for societal and generational shifts. And now, starting from May 1st and lasting until June 11th, the planet will be going into retrograde.
So here’s a look at the spiritual meaning of Pluto retrograde in Aquarius.
See also: Spiritual Meaning of Pallas Entering Leo
Pluto, named after the god of the underworld, is associated with death and rebirth in Astrology. It rules over everything beneath the surface, the things which are kept hidden and secret. Pluto is a challenger to power, and can bring along the destruction of old orders which allows for the building of the new.
Before March 23rd, Pluto was in Capricorn, where it had remained since 2008. Capricorn is often associated with big business and corporate power. This period began with a global financial recession and has been a time of significant economic inequality. The shift into Aquarius represents a new time of revolution and equality. It also governs technology, which means that this could be a time where significant technological advancements take place.
Before this year, Pluto hadn’t been in Aquarius since it passed through from 1778 to 1790. This was notably a time of significant uprising and turmoil, as well as major progress in fields such as gender equality, with the publication of Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication Of The Rights Of Women. The path that Pluto will follow now is a retrograde back into Capricorn. It will return to Aquarius from January 20th to September 1st of 2024, retrograde into Capricorn again, and then remain in Aquarius on November 19th of 2024, where it will stay for 19 years.
These Pluto retrogrades are a time where loose ends will be tied up. Unlike retrogrades of the personal planets, Pluto retrograde will not necessarily be any cause for concern. Instead of action, this time calls for reflection and meditation on the power dynamics that affect you. It can also be a time to let go of negative patterns and take the leap into something new. Notice what has changed for you as the planet alternates between these signs. What happens during these short stints of Pluto in Aquarius will give you a hint of what to expect in the decades to come.