Pluto Retrograde

In astrology, Pluto is one of the most intense and magnetic planets in the cosmos. With its extremely irregular orbit (spending between 14-30 years in each sign), it is also one of the most enigmatic.Pluto’s average distance from the sun is about four billion miles, and it takes approximately 248 years to complete one orbit. It was actually demoted to a “dwarf planet” by NASA in 2006, but this has no bearing on its astrological significance. Here on earth, we are part of a universal field of energy that is regulated by shifting matter in the cosmos.Pluto being demoted to a dwarf planet does not diminish the energy it produces or lessen the effects. And although it is the furthest planet from the earth, Plutonian influence is felt strongly. It is what astrologers call a “transpersonal” planet”, meaning that it affects how we relate to the world at large, and the planet's influence is both personal and generational.


In Greek Mythology, Pluto is represented by Hades, God of the underworld. Astrologers contend that Pluto rules over all things hidden; secrets, passions and conspiracies. The modern ruler of Scorpio, the planet also represents power and power struggles, deep inner healing,death and rebirth.This shadowy planet is very complex! It is also extremely transformational, bringing deep inner healing; albeit in an abrupt and jarring way at times. Pluto transits tend to bring psychological issues to the surface to be dealt with, as the dwarf planet also rules over excretion and release,it is the phoenix rising out of the ashes.


When a planet goes “retrograde” it is seemingly moving backward from our vantage point on earth. During a planetary backspin, the energy of that planet is felt internally, rather than externally. Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008, going retrograde here once a year, this year the retrograde cycle begins on April 27th and ends on October 7. Capricorn deals with structure, order, control and government institutions. For the last 12 years, Pluto has been transforming the ruling class, laws of the land and the peoples relationship to government institutions. During Pluto's retrograde cycle, secrets can be revealed and hypocrisy exposed. This occurs to show the collective clearer pictures of what is happening behind the scenes. Pluto brings things to the surface and exposes, especially when retrograde. Individually, when Pluto retrogrades we are given a chance to dive below the surface, get acquainted with our innate psychic nature, and to release old karma and past trauma that we have been holding on to. Pluto transits are not always comfortable, but they are necessary for our personal and collective evolution. Use this time to dive deep, and be unafraid in your search.