Pluto represents power, control, transformation, evolution, death and rebirth. It destroys to renew and brings intense needs and drives to the surface. It is associated with personal mastery, big business, wealth, the underground, surgery, genetic engineering, detective work, espionage, global organizations, dictators, organized crime, destruction, mass murder, genocide, nuclear power and nuclear weapons.
Pluto Retrograde Meaning
Pluto retrograde in transit is a regular cycle lasting five months yearly during the opposition to the Sun. As with all outer planets, it causes less concern than the rarer inner planet retrogrades. Transiting Pluto retrograde is a time of reflection about power and control issues in your life.
If people have controlled or manipulated you, then now is the time to let them go. It is time to let go if you have been too controlling of others or situations. This is not a time for power-tripping but a time for elimination. Fated events and repeating themes will reinforce which of your controlling habits, compulsions, addictions, or prejudices must be eliminated.
You may be forced to let go if you have been too smothering and controlling in a relationship or holding on too tight. If obsessive or compulsive behavior involving food or drugs has taken hold of your life, then events may cause a turnaround. The more intense your destructive behavior, the more extreme the detoxification or withdrawal stage, such as going cold turkey.
Perhaps suspicion, secrecy, racism, gambling, or pornography are taking control and holding you back from spiritual evolution. Trust in your spirit guides, and think of the extremes your ancestors endured to have their genes expressed in you. Destroying things that have control over you will increase your spiritual power and lead to personal mastery.
The exact moment that Pluto stations retrograde is the perfect time to meditate on Pluto themes in your life. At this time, Pluto’s energy more easily penetrates your subconscious. It is possible to feel the tremendous power as Pluto mines for deeply buried trauma, memories and secrets that have been suppressed or forgotten, perhaps relating to previous incarnations. It is preferable to be outside to avoid steel roofs blocking the energies from the universe.
Pluto Retrograde Dates
- 2023, May 1 to October 10 – 00°21′ Aquarius to 27°53′ Capricorn
- 2024, May 2 to October 11 – 02°06′ Aquarius to 29°38′ Capricorn
- 2025, May 4 to October 13 – 03°49′ to 01°22′ Aquarius
Natal Pluto Retrograde
Pluto retrograde natal is more common than inner planet retrogrades such as Mercury and Venus. About 40% of people have Pluto retrograde in their birth chart, so it’s less feared and less harmful than having an inner planet retrograde. That said, natal Pluto retrograde still has karmic repercussions and a noticeable influence.
With natal Pluto retrograde, you may have difficulty transforming your life due to fear of letting go. The internalization process of retrogrades can slow you, bringing your intense drives and needs to the surface. You will probably have difficulty expressing your power and influence.
Fear of being controlled or taking control can stem from past experiences involving power abuse or manipulation. Which side of the ledger, whether victim or abuser, is shown through aspects of your Pluto and any fixed star conjunctions?
Depending on past life conditions, you may fear death, poverty, manipulation, torture, imprisonment, being committed to a mental institution, exile, or betrayal. Power and control issues may involve psychic realms, sex, and inheritance.
For such reasons, you can be very intense on the inside, secretive, or a control freak. Past life conditioning can repeat, especially while young, in the form of compulsions, phobias, isolation, or mistrust of family. You may develop strong psychic power due to internalizing your powerful drives and wish for power and success. Hiding your genuine desire for power and influence can lead to suspicion.
Pluto retrograde in your natal chart subjects you to many fated events to bring your deepest and darkest fears to the surface. A repeating theme of particular experiences will continue until you learn to express your inner power and intensity safely.
