Hold onto your hats: On April 27, Pluto, planet of transformation and power, stations retrograde at 26° Capricorn and will creepily moonwalk through the cardinal earth sign until Oct. 6. Could there be a better way to end the semester than with a retrograde? Yes, I can think of plenty, because retrogrades suck. 2021 Pluto Retrograde is no exception.
Certainly, by this point, you’ve heard of Mercury retrograde and how it wreaks havoc on communication and technology. Well, Pluto retrograde reaches an altogether new level of havoc because the outer planet rules death, rebirth, destruction and crises. When in retrograde, Pluto’s energies turn inward. In plain English this means that all the stuff Pluto rules will surface in your life in emotional and psychological ways.
The outer planet’s main mission is to destroy in order to renew. That means you have to say goodbye to whatever is not serving you in order to become a better version of yourself. That’s the “death and rebirth” part, and it sounds simple, but it isn’t. Most of what Pluto will ask us to destroy and renew are aspects of our lives most resistant to change. Yippee, right?
According to Astrology.com, “When Pluto retrogrades, we are given an opportunity to dive below the surface and better acquaint ourselves with this psychic, subconscious material.” This psychic subconscious material usually manifests as secrets, unconscious fears, destructive people or tendencies.
There’s a caveat, though.
Pluto is an outer planet, which is code for slow-moving planet, which is further code for stay-in-one-sign-forever-and-ever-until-generations-learn-their-lessons planet. So, this dive under the surface isn’t going to be a one-and-done thing.
The reason for this is simple, according to Astrology.com, “Pluto asks us to transcend that which we know, redeem ourselves in the process, and come out stronger as a result.” Naturally, a process like that is going to take time.
During Pluto retrograde, old habits or emotional bonds die. We let go of resentments or fears, cut cords and take a good, long look at our lives and determine what needs to be metaphorically destroyed and rebuilt. But this destroy-and-rebuild process will be as challenging as it will be unwelcome. Because honestly, who has ever gladly greeted a slow and painful period of psychological growth or severing of ties?
Of course, what we are being asked to transcend, strengthen or restructure during this Pluto retrograde depends entirely on where the planet is transiting in your chart. So, without further ado:
Your 2021 Pluto Retrograde Horoscope
Aries & Aries Rising ♈
This retrograde falls in your 10th House of status, career and authority. If you’ve been wondering what to do with your life, or if there’s an oppressive authority/mother figure calling all the shots, then this retrograde will force major contemplations about your life’s direction (or lack thereof).
Taurus & Taurus Rising ♉
Pluto retrograde migrates through your Ninth House of adventure, aspirations and higher education. Travel or graduation plans could be interrupted. Your worldview, including religious beliefs and personal philosophies, need to be restructured. This is easier said than done, because you’re not one to waffle on your values.
Gemini & Gemini Rising ♊
Pluto retrograde transits your Eighth House of shared resources, death, sex, rebirth, taxes and taboos. Either yours or your partner’s income may change or an unexpected inheritance from a (grand)father figure surfaces. This is a good time to reevaluate your creative depths or to do your dang taxes.
Cancer & Cancer Rising ♋
Pluto retrograde is nestled in your Seventh House of partnerships. If you’re in a committed relationship or marriage, and have been pondering a split, then this might be the time to put those ponderings into action. On the other hand, this could be a period of rebuilding love bonds.
Leo & Leo Rising ♌
Pluto retrograde backpedals through your Sixth House of health, work and routines. Expect physical and professional regeneration. Bad habits will become so blatantly obvious, you’ll have no choice but to cut them out. Work tensions rise, which might force you to look for a gig that better suits your schedule.
Virgo & Virgo Rising ♍
Pluto retrograde is in your Fifth House of love affairs and amusement. If you’re involved with someone, but not yet committed, watch that you or they don’t get too emotionally heavy too soon. Remember: flings should be fun. Release some of your intense passions with outdoor activities or art.
Libra & Libra Rising ♎
Pluto retrograde cycles through your Fourth House of home and family. Deep thoughts arise about your living situation and whether a move is appropriate. You might also dig deeper into your heritage and background. Answering the questions of where you came from helps you know where you’re going.
Scorpio & Scorpio Rising ♏
Pluto retrograde musses up your Third House of communication and daily affairs. This affects how you speak your mind, express your ideas and relay information to others (email, text, etc.). Don’t be surprised if you question yourself more. Conversations are business-like and involve rebuilding, rebranding or rescheduling something or another…
Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising ♐
Pluto retrograde falls in your Second House of money. Your financial situation may change for better or worse. Monitor what you spend and what you earn. Which number is higher? If it is not earning, then you will have to tighten the purse strings. Not the sexiest horoscope, I know…
Capricorn & Capricorn Rising ♑
Pluto retrograde is in your First House of Self. This is a period of self-improvement, but not that I’m-gonna-eat-healthy-and-get-that-glow type of self-improvement. No, now’s the time to gain control of your internal motivations and ego-driven urges so that you can better understand who you really are. This is true self-improvement…
Aquarius & Aquarius Rising ♒
Pluto retrograde moonwalks through your 12th House of karma. Old wounds from past loves (and past lives) rip back open and from the ashes rise buried aspects of yourself. Sounds a little woo-woo, but it’s true. Clear your psyche’s closet of these skeletons or they’ll continue haunting and controlling you…
Pisces & Pisces Rising ♓
Pluto retrograde sits in your 11th House of future and friends. A friendship may have to end. Or you stop pursuing a once meaningful goal. If you haven’t already started reevaluating your ideals for life and friendships, you should. Procrastination will only further delay the inevitable progress of your future…