From May 11, 2023, through Oct 10, 2023, Pluto will retrograde in Aquarius at 22 degrees. This energy will impact those with planets or positions between 17-27 degrees of Aquarius, Gemini, Libra, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio the most. So get ready to feel the impact of this movement if this applies to you.
Pluto retrograde periods are a time to reflect on changes or transitions that need to be made or have already taken shape. Pluto energy is all about transformation, death, and rebirth. When this asteroid planet is in full effect, we typically encounter significant shifts in the area it touches. However, when it slows down, it’s time for us to take a hard look at what has or should change.
In doing so, we may see the need to make additional adjustments or improvements. Overall, this energy will help us deal with our shadow self and embrace a new way of being. We will find closure and learn to assuage power struggles that may have kept us stuck. Even if we are satisfied with the status quo, we still need to process any shifts that have impacted us. And this retrograde will be significant for doing so. It marks the first retrograde in the sign that it will transit for the next 20 years or so.
Pluto Retrograde in Aquarius
As mentioned, this Pluto retrograde in May 2023 will take shape in the sign of Aquarius. So we will take a deep dive into transformation as Aquarius is the rebellious innovator of the zodiac. This constellation governs our sense of forward-thinking, scientific discovery, invention, and space travel, among other things. As such, both of these dynamic energies play a role in change and transition.
At the beginning of this retrograde, we can expect to focus on ways that society needs to shift as a whole. Aquarius governs the collective. As such, this energy will challenge us to find effective ways to cure societal ills. So, those impacted by this energy may find that they are passionate about a cause or issue that impacts the masses. And their creative juices may rev up a notch or two as they figure out ways to affect positive change in these areas.
Likewise, some may be focused on how technological advancements have reshaped society for the better or worse. In doing so, they could develop innovative ways to improve or enhance these dynamics for the good of the collective. This retrograde will be more about planning and strategizing. As such, it will set the stage for the work to be done during Pluto’s transit through Aquarius.
Pluto Retrograde Enters Capricorn
This retrograde will enter the sign of Capricorn on June 11 and stay there for about four months until it goes direct. Pluto has been situated in this zodiac sign over the past 15 years or so. As such, it has brought about many transformations in how and why we work. Likewise, it has brought much attention to racial dynamics that impact masses of people around the globe.
Workforce Transitions
This shift came to its apex during the Great Resignation sparked by COVID-19. Pluto and Capricorn are slow-moving energies, so it makes sense that this event occurred at the tail-end of this transit. But it had been brewing for quite some time. This movement simply highlighted the areas that required massive change.
Our way of working and being in the workplace needed a heavy facelift. Many people shifted from working for survival to doing the things they love. These dynamics included career changes, entrepreneurship, expatriation, and much more. And a major emphasis was placed on the outdated notion of exchanging time for money. The financial independence, retire early (FIRE) movement has been building for some time over the past decade or so. And many of the events of 2020 brought these elements to a head.
This shift likewise challenged our views and acceptance of inequitable work-life balance conditions. And it shifted antiquated work structures that don’t align with the technological advances we have experienced in the workforce. Beyond that, many started to focus more on accomplishing their soul mission. And these dynamics have likewise influenced how we show up in the world.
This transit showed us many areas in which we have been limiting ourselves in the workforce. Albeit, some individuals may have made seemingly adverse or unwise choices in their haste to move forward. But even these decisions were beneficial as they showed us what needed fixing. And this transit will allow us to course-correct. We will have time to review whether our choices serve our highest good. As the Pluto retrograde traverses Aquarius and Capricorn from May through October 2023, we will be given the knowledge and resources to make the necessary changes.
Social Change
Pluto’s retrograde in Capricorn also spotlighted areas where we feel restricted, limited, or prohibited in other ways. These dynamics contributed to the racial uprisings during this same period. Again, these dynamics have long since been brewing under the surface. But Pluto’s transit through Capricorn brought the right energy to help us challenge these dynamics.
Disparaged people groups worldwide began physically and mentally tearing down colonial strongholds. This happened on a global scale but likewise in the quiet recesses of our minds. People have started realizing just how imprisoning imperialist ideals, beliefs, and practices really are. And many took a stand against them.
The purpose of this transition was to reveal these restrictions and force individuals to break free from them. Pluto’s stay in Aquarius will bring the real, long-lasting revolution we need to overthrow these outdated, oppressive systems. Much like the workforce shifts, we will focus on necessary adjustments during this retrograde cycle. And we will continue to make appropriate changes as Pluto stations direct. This asteroid planet’s transit through Aquarius over the next two decades will prove beneficial on many levels.
For more insight about this retrograde season, listen to my tarot reading on the African Tarot Podcast.
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