Pluto goes retrograde once a year for about five or six months.
When compared to Mercury’s retrograde, the longer yearly retrogrades of outer planets such as Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune do not cause nearly as much disruption. These slow-moving planets’ retrograde motions cause less noticeable shifts. During a planetary transit, they facilitate the assimilation and processing of information from the outside world.
Retrogrades: Do Planets Really Move Backwards?
A planet appears to travel backwards in its orbit when it is in a retrograde motion. But it’s not exactly going backwards. Prograde is the less common word for forward orbital motion in our solar system. Astrology and astronomy both acknowledge retrogrades.
Just like a train or car stuck in traffic might seem to be going backwards, retrogrades can happen for the same reason. It can appear as though you are traveling backwards if you are passing a moving object at a faster speed than it is moving. So, from Earth, it looks like the planets are moving backward whenever we go by them, or when they go by us, in the cases of Mercury and Venus, which are moving faster.
The Effects of Retrograde on Astrology
According to ancient astrology, when the planets go retrograde, they visit the underworld to learn about life and death. We still think that retrogrades are a great opportunity to reflect before acting, to incorporate lessons learned, and to move slowly.
During a retrograde period, particularly a Mercury retrograde, some people suggest staying indoors, not starting anything new, and not committing to anything new. Though it’s not always the case, a number of planets go retrograde for about half the year. Is it expected that you simply relax all the time? It might be impossible to do that. These longer retrogrades are a gentle reminder to take care of yourself, give yourself space, and let go of the past so that you can fully embody the lessons life has to offer.
2024 Pluto Retrograde: Dates & Meaning
The retrograde phase of Pluto will last from May 2nd through October 11th of this year. This will result in the planet returning to Capricorn for a brief period towards the year’s end, after having moved into Aquarius.
Even as early as March 23, 2023, Pluto has been teasing this sign shift. From 2008 through 2023, it lingered in Capricorn, where its transformative energies shook the foundations of our society to their very core. Its initial transition into Aquarius was in March of last year, hinting at future developments. But it was only in Capricorn until June of 2023, when its retrograde motion returned it to the sign. During the current retrograde cycle, it will return to Aquarius in January 2024 and remain there until September 1, 2024, when it will make its final dip into Capricorn. Once it leaves the sea-goat sign on November 23, 2024, it will spend nearly 20 years in Aquarius before returning to Capricorn, a process that could take another 250 years or more.
Because of this, the Pluto retrogrades in 2023 and 2024 will be a little different and maybe even more intense, particularly for those whose natal charts fall exactly on the cusp of Aquarius and Capricorn. As if to rub salt in the wound, the underworld, the planet of transformation, the taboo, and the digging up of truths all seem to keep passing through the same spot. As long as you put in the effort to better yourself, Pluto’s transformations are always beneficial, but getting there isn’t always a picnic.
Pluto is a planet that deals with secrets, toxic behaviors, power imbalances, and manipulation. Pluto in retrograde can make you reflect on and maybe even question your own actions, leading you to face some uncomfortable truths about who you are. Alterations to your relationships may be necessary if you become acutely aware of other people’s actions.
Outer planet retrogrades are less noticeable. While Mercury is retrograde, you might not perceive any disorder. Big changes on the inside, though, can occur in a flash.
Pluto Retrograde 2024: Which Zodiac Signs Are Most Affected?
Those whose natal charts have Aquarius at the beginning or late degree will feel the effects of this retrograde the strongest. This aspect may be amplified if other placements in your chart strongly square off with transiting Pluto. If this describes you, then you should take stock of the themes that have emerged over the last several years as Pluto has twirled around this pivotal point in your natal chart. In order to decipher Pluto’s lessons, it might be helpful to review the other dates of his retrogrades and dances from Capricorn into Aquarius. A pattern may become apparent.
Things To Avoid During Pluto Retrograde
Contrary to its shorter cousin Mercury retrograde, Pluto’s nearly 6-month duration makes it impossible to avoid activities like traveling or signing contracts. During a Pluto retrograde, there are fewer concrete things to worry about.
- Avoid telling other people’s secrets. Pluto encourages us to be cautious and secure most of the time. Going into retrograde might make you feel a bit more extroverted than usual. Feel free to spill the beans on your own secrets, but don’t do the same for other people.
- Avoid manipulating others. This warning should be taken more seriously by those whose charts are heavily Pluto-forward, such as those with Scorpio rising, Pluto in the first house, or the Sun square Pluto. Power games are more noticeable to the public at this time. When Pluto is in a direct alignment, your manipulative actions will have less of an impact on your relationships.
- Avoid unfounded accusations. As indicated earlier, Pluto retrograde has the potential to heighten our self-awareness regarding imbalances of power and manipulation. This could lead you to falsely accuse others of being manipulative or engaging in power struggles. Criticize others, but check your assumptions thoroughly first.
How to Make the Most of Pluto Retrograde?
- Let the conclusion parts flow. Transformative processes include endings. Although these endings aren’t fun, they’re necessary for leveling up.
- Trust in the people around you. It is not easy to go through changes and transitions. Pluto can trick us into thinking we’re alone in this suffering. However, there are individuals who you can depend on. In times of difficulty, you can rely on them for support.
- Evaluate your financial situation. Pluto can be associated with wealth, particularly that which originates underground (metaphorically or literally) or that which belongs to another person (especially an inheritance) and vice versa. When Pluto is retrograde, it’s a good opportunity to take stock of your finances and make any necessary adjustments.
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