understanding pluto in aquarius: transit and retrograde

Pluto wipes the slate clean from the trials it brings and the transformation that follows. Keyword elimination. Since November 2024 Pluto has officially made its way into the evolutionary sign of Aquarius. This constellation will have a major impact on the collective as a whole. As the old maxim goes, as above, so below - the furthest out, the deepest within. 

Pluto, known as the God of the Underworld, stands for metamorphosis. There is a difference between change and transformation. A change is rather mercurial in nature. Pluto however digs deep, unearths the psychology of one, and unlocks our inner power. Aquarius, the waterbearer sign, brings the knowledge of innovation to the masses. The influence Pluto in Aquarius has will be of technological advances and transformation in the collective consciousness. Aquarius invites us to break free from self-imposed limitations and embrace our individuality and uniqueness.

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In order to understand astrological planets and transits properly, we always take a look back in time. Especially when a planet is discovered can say a lot about its influence. Being the furthest planet in the solar system, it was discovered in 1930 marking a time of mass destruction, war and the creation of the atom bomb. Pluto shows us what humankind is capable of, in its highest and lowest energy.

The last time Pluto was transiting Aquarius was when Uranus, the planet of revolution was first discovered, changing the way we looked at our solar system. Previously believing that Saturn was the furthest planet. During 1777 until 1798, Pluto in Aquarius witnessed the American and French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment and Reason. This was a period in time when the wellbeing of humanity was put first by thought leaders and generals. Social change and ideologies were on the rise during this time. 

Being an energy that is associated with the underworld, anything beneath the ground from wealth, oil to gold is all connected to this power planet. Its energy is contained within, therefore it knows how to control what is seen without. It is rather a heavy energy of secrets and the links to the past, but also can help us unearth inner resources bringing out realizations. It digs deep into the psyche and unearths hidden gems, although the process is gradual and patience is required, like every true transformation. The cycle of death and rebirth is very much present within the Pluto energy, being the one of the rulers of the sign of Scorpio. 

Having it retrograde as from 4 May until 13 October will bring in us a period of time of profound transformation, challenging concepts of social frameworks. On an individual level, for those experiencing a Pluto transit, it will bring a moment to witness the transformative journey you are on. Pluto digs deep, uncovers fears, invites in psychological shifts, and most of all, asks us to step into our power. Where have you been giving your power away? 

Considering that Pluto is an outer planet, it influences mainly generations and the collective. For the fixed signs of the zodiac however, meaning Taurus, Scorpio, Leo and Aquarius are currently experiencing this Pluto transit firsthand. Embrace the transformative energy of this planet. Transformation takes time, and so does this transit. Not every sign will ever experience a Pluto transit in their lifetime, seeing that this planet moves as slow as it does. This says a lot about the karmic lessons you signed up for. 

Wherever Pluto will be transiting in your chart will help to release outdated old patterns. Check your natal chart for any positions in 1-4 degrees of Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio and Leo, for this retrograde phase of the next months. Discover the house it is in gives further indications of what the underlying theme is. Seeing that the orbit of Pluto is the slowest in the solar system, it is a process of at least two years where the effects will be felt. It aims for transformation, unlike change, it pulls whatever is hidden under the surface in order for a true transformation to occur. 

Current life themes can be explored in an initial astrology consultation or a cosmic follow-up for return clients to understand your current transits. Find out more about my services here.

image source: moodmood.ch

About the writer

Inés Kelly is an astrologer and human design reader based in Zurich, Switzerland. Her multi-cultural background has gifted her with the insight of various rituals and traditions. Bringing the ancestral and the honoring of the natural cycles to the community is a deep value she holds.

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