Pluto the planet of transformation, in structured Capricorn turns retrograde on April 22nd and remains there until early September. During its regular orbit, Pluto rules rebirth and helps us rise above the ashes to a better life. Pluto is the catalyst of change. Capricorn, a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn, is all about following the rules and hard-work. There are no short-cuts in Capricorn’s world.
When Pluto goes retrograde, it forces us to focus on our own personal shadow sides, specifically, the unpleasant parts of our personalities that we may not really like. Two big themes that Pluto likes to highlight are power and desire. With Pluto retrograde, we'll have to get honest with ourselves about how much we're motivated by a need for recognition, money and authority. Pluto Retrograde turns its energy inward and forces us to ask ourselves some pretty tough questions. What’s not working in our world? Where have we relinquished our power? Have we developed unhealthy obsessions?
Once we see traits in ourselves that we dislike, we can work to improve them. We can also revisit old hurts and hang-ups as Pluto sheds light on the darker corners of our experiences. In this way we can grow, which highlights Pluto's key role in our lives: transformation.
I want to point out here, that we now have 3 planets in retrograde motion. Pluto now joins Saturn and Jupiter. Jupiter turned retrograde back in March and represents a time of philosophical or spiritual introspection and reflection. Saturn and Pluto retrograding together will also help to increase our awareness and heighten our feelings of empathy and intuition.