Pluto, the enigmatic planet associated with death and transformation, will begin its retrograde journey in the fixed air sign of Aquarius on May 2. While retrogrades are commonly misunderstood, they actually symbolize a deceleration rather than a literal backward motion of the planets. This phenomenon occurs when Earth, in its orbit around the sun, appears to pass a planet, creating an illusion of reverse movement.
While Mercury retrograde is well-known and often dreaded, it’s essential to remember that other planets also partake in these cycles. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and of course, Pluto, all experience periods of deceleration. During a retrograde, the prefix “re” becomes a powerful catalyst for revisiting, reflecting, and reframing themes related to the respective planet.
Pluto, the planet named after the mythical god of the underworld, is intimately connected with endings and downfall. Its influence reminds us that destruction is often a necessary precursor to creation, and power is a test of our humanity. Scorpio, Pluto’s ruling sign, is associated with transformation, trauma, power struggles, and shared resources.
Pluto’s extended orbit makes its transition between signs a rare event, occurring every twelve to thirty years. After an extended stay in Capricorn, the planet moved into the revolutionary realm of Aquarius last year. Its retrograde in Aquarius, followed by a brief return to Capricorn in September, signals unfinished business, professional development, and introspection.
This Pluto retrograde in Aquarius carries profound significance. According to astrologer Evan Nathaniel Grim, it represents a five-month period where collective hopes and dreams are at risk unless collaboration takes place. Emphasizing the importance of rallying behind a common cause, this retrograde challenges us to rebalance power and place it in the hands of individuals.
As Pluto completes its retrograde just as the final stages of the election season unfold, we stand on the precipice of seismic change. The choices we make and the ballots we cast will shape the era to come, and it is up to us to decide whether chaos or community will prevail.
During this retrograde, we are guided to confront our unhealthy attachments and addictions, to examine our relationship with power and its impact on the status quo. In order to embrace the birth of a better world, we must release the old and confront our fears. By daring to believe in a new and improved way of being, we can walk confidently into the future, ready to embrace change and collaboration.
Astrologer Reda Wigle provides insightful reports on planetary configurations and their effects on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes encompass elements of history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience, making astrology relatable and accessible to all.
FAQ:
1. What is retrograde?
Retrograde refers to the apparent backward motion of a planet in its orbit around the sun. It is an illusion caused by Earth passing a planet.
2. Which planets experience retrogrades?
Besides Mercury, other planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto also experience retrogrades.
3. What does Pluto symbolize?
Pluto is associated with death, transformation, destruction, power struggles, and shared resources. It represents endings and downfall.
4. How often does Pluto transition between signs?
Pluto transitions between signs every twelve to thirty years due to its extended orbit.
5. What is the significance of Pluto’s retrograde in Aquarius?
Astrologer Evan Nathaniel Grim states that this five-month retrograde period emphasizes the need for collaboration to protect collective hopes and dreams. It challenges us to rebalance power and place it in the hands of individuals.
6. How does this retrograde relate to the election season?
The completion of Pluto’s retrograde coincides with the final stages of the election season, suggesting that the choices made and ballots cast will shape the era to come.
7. What should we do during this retrograde?
We are encouraged to confront unhealthy attachments and addictions, examine our relationship with power, and release the old in order to embrace a better future. It calls for embracing change and collaboration.
Definitions:
– Retrograde: The apparent backward motion of a planet caused by Earth passing the planet in its orbit.
– Pluto: The planet associated with death, transformation, destruction, power struggles, and shared resources.
– Aquarius: A fixed air sign in astrology.
– Capricorn: The previous sign that Pluto was in before moving into Aquarius.
– Collaborate: To work together towards a common goal or cause.
Suggested Related Links:
– astrology.com
– astrologer.com