Pluto retrograde in Capricorn
April 27, 2021 – October 6, 2021
Pluto represents destruction but also transformation for us. You can conceptualize Pluto’s energy as being put through tribulations to develop your character into your highest form. This particular retrograde can bring a lot of realizations about systems of power both in society and within yourself. Who do you give your power to, and why? Are they worthy of your time? Pluto retrograde is a time to revisit this question to make sure you aren’t hanging onto dynamics that no longer serve you. Don’t fear Pluto’s lessons! The “destruction” is not always external circumstances. It can manifest as just making some realizations that shift your thinking.
The signs and how they are affected by Pluto retrograde in Capricorn:
These are the archetypal energies; apply these descriptions to your Sun, Saturn, Pluto, and 8th house placements for a thorough understanding ✨
For reference:
The Sun represents our core values and largely ourselves
Saturn represents challenges we overcome & relationships to older generations
Pluto represents how we transform, and how we experience power
8th house (ruled by Pluto) represents your spiritual self & your attitudes towards death/afterlife
♈Aries – A square that will bring challenges related to your ability to express yourself. You may feel stifled or that people keep trying to silence you. You’re going to have to reel it back in and revisit how you’ve approached this issue before. It’s time to get creative and find a way to flip the script on those who don’t understand you. You’re being called to refine and mature how you handle criticism. Aries energy often feels compelled to make daring leaps, but this time you’re asked to pause and change your strategy.
♉Taurus – A trine that will actually bring you new insights regarding your career or how you interact with the public. Have you been mulling over new creative projects but felt they weren’t ‘ready’ yet? This will bring that boost of inspiration that you’ve been waiting for. You’ll see a different perspective and be able to properly plan and execute your mission. Taurus energy is known for taking extra time to complete projects to their liking already, but during this time you’ll spend time on the planning part rather than the creative parts. You’re naturally inclined towards creativity, but during this Pluto retrograde you’ll feel better able to adhere to a schedule.
♊Gemini – A quincunx that will have you working very hard to communicate effectively. Gemini energy is the communicator of the zodiac and enjoys conversation, during this time though you’ll feel a bit out of sorts. It’s not as though you won’t be able to achieve good conversation, just that you may have to clarify what you’re saying repeatedly. This can relate to how you address an audience as well, like if your career is focused on public speaking or writing professionally. Take the extra time to re-read before publishing or prepare a script beforehand. You may have people asking you, “What do you mean?” a lot during this Pluto retrograde.
♋Cancer – The oppositional sign to Capricorn, meaning you will feel challenged and defensive regarding your position of authority. Cancer energy tends to go into protection mode when met with criticism, so here you’re encouraged to learn how to handle it without jumping to attack. This will feel uncomfortable of course, it’s in your nature to protect yourself and your status. Pluto retrograde is teaching you how to be graceful in these situations so that you learn better skills in maintaining your status actually! You’re the protector of the zodiac, but you must have several different avenues to handle conflict in your tool box to effectively protect those you care for.
♌Leo – A quincunx that will have you putting in a lot of effort into your creative projects and re-evaluating how you wish others to see you. Leo energy is performative, creative, and authoritative as well. After all, you’re symbolized as a lion. You command the same amount of energy that Capricorn does, which is why you’ll be met with challenges to your image during this time. You want to be respected, but how do you handle disrespect? You’re being called to analyze this and work on elevating your public image with your creative endeavors. Pour your frustrations into your creative works and watch how that attracts the right people. Vulnerability is hard for you, which is why you’ll be pushed to putting your emotions into your work during this time.
♍Virgo – A trine that will bring you a boost of determination to finish your projects and push through your struggles with perfectionism. Virgo energy is sometimes afraid to complete projects out of fear they are never fully ‘complete’ until they are perfect. Pluto retrograde in Capricorn is here to challenge you and say, “Imperfection is still completion.” You’ll feel less weighed down on the fine details and more focused on getting things done so you can keep on truckin’. Virgo energy can also be incredibly harsh on themselves, which is often what pushes them to serve and help others. During this time, you’ll feel more drawn to caring for yourself and making sure your practical needs are met first. Capricorn is the provider, and they provide for themselves first. Secure your mask before helping others.
♎Libra – A square that will bring challenges related to power dynamics in your partnerships and the concept of ‘fair’. Libra energy strives to be fair and compromise to achieve harmony, Capricorn (and Pluto for that matter) have very strict morals and do not bend to the will of others. For Libras this will feel like you’re being pushed into a corner to make a decision and stand up for yourself (very uncomfortable). This is to help you to be a better diplomat though. You’re focused on justice and fairness, but sometimes compromise does just that – it compromises justice. So, you’re being called to get comfortable in saying “NO”. You can’t please everyone and sometimes it is necessary to be disliked to achieve fairness.
♏Scorpio – A sextile that will bring some structure that you’ve been lacking lately. Scorpio energy is very heady, and usually deep in thought. This Pluto retrograde in Capricorn will pull you towards organizing your thoughts and putting them into action. Pluto is also the ruler of Scorpio, so although it may sound scary at first that your ruling planet is going retrograde this is actually a time for grand realizations for you. You are no stranger to rising from the depths of destruction fresh and stronger. That is what this retrograde represents for you; another opportunity for transformation.
♐Sagittarius – A semi-sextile that will bring you some much needed discipline. Sagittarius energy has no issue with formulating future goals and has plenty of enthusiasm, but you may struggle to actually begin the path to the goal. With this retrograde you’ll be able to see the necessary steps more easily, although it will feel as though you’re being pushed towards the steps. Sagittarius spends a lot of time in the brainstorming phase, so this retrograde is here to nudge you to begin the actual work to reach your goal.
♑Capricorn – A conjunction that will bring up a lot of emotions and opportunities for growth. You may feel an odd mix of encouragement in your projects but also face criticism to improve them. This may feel like an attack at first, but be mindful that Pluto energy only critiques with the intent to push you to be your best self. Tough love is the theme here. You may need to revisit old projects or be contacted by former colleagues/employers for new opportunities. This doesn’t mean you have to accept the offers, they’re just opportunities from old connections. You may also feel challenged regarding the authoritative roles you carry. This retrograde will have you reflecting on your approach to leadership.
♒Aquarius – A semi-sextile that will encourage you to reassess your routines. You’re not typically fond of keeping routines for longer than a few months so switching things up is not unusual for you. However, this time you’re being called deeper, what is it about routines that you don’t like? That’s what you’re being pushed to examine. Aquarius energy enjoys pushing past norms and taking down outdated structures. With this retrograde you’re encouraged to switch up the way you approach doing that, and to shift the way you collaborate with others.
♓Pisces – A sextile that will gently call you to step into more roles of power. Pisces energy usually prefers to be hidden, and shy away from taking on the role of leadership. This can cause other issues like a hesitancy to face conflicts. With this retrograde you are being called to embrace your inner leader, a role that you often struggle to feel confident in. You will be faced with situations in which you have to face your fears of conflict and make important decisions. This will feel scary for you, as often times leaders receive criticism for their actions. You will be called to handle those feelings and to stand your ground in the face of criticism even when you want to give up or flee.
