Pluto in Aquarius: 2024 to 2044
On March 23 2023 Pluto moved into Aquarius for the first time in 248 years. It spent a few months in Aquarius, then retrograded back into Capricorn until 2024, when settled into Aquarius for the next 20 years.
Pluto was last in Aquarius in the late 1700’s and its change of sign represents a major paradigm shift; astrologers associate the current sign of Pluto as the key to the current mass consciousness. As the furthest planet from the Sun and the least conscious, Pluto is considered a transpersonal planet, with its sign influencing the collective psyche more than the individual one. It has been suggested Pluto reflects a collective fascination – or obsession – with all things ruled by the sign it is transiting, hence have moved from a Capricorn to an Aquarian paradigm. As Lord of the Underworld, the mythic Pluto, known as Hades to the Greeks, rules the process of death, rebirth and transformation, hence He seeks to bring to light what has been hidden, exerting control over humanity through [sometimes unconscious] fear.
The last time Pluto was in Aquarius – 248 years ago was also a time of major social change. We experienced the French Revolution in 1789 with its call to Liberty, Equality and Fraternity; Uranus was discovered in 1781 with the new invention – the telescope - that shattered the boundaries of the known world of Saturn & the Industrial Revolution changed the whole structure of society.
While Pluto was in Capricorn – 2008 to 2024 – we have seen a major focus on Capricorn concerns: power, authority, authoritarianism, conservatism, government, finance, the economy, money and materialism. Pluto seeks to transform all things associated with the sign he is transiting but also releases its shadow. During this time, we saw more authoritarian leaders [in many spheres of life, not just politics] of a conservative and patriarchal bent, some exhibiting the shadow Capricorn which can be the tyrant and bully who uses force, shame and blame to deflect responsibility. Nationalism, patriotism and the curtailing of civil rights have all been part of this scenario.
What might we see with Pluto in Aquarius?
Pluto will / may transform our relationship with all things Aquarian during this 20 year time span. This suggests:
- Massive change in our relationship with technology ...many new inventions and applications of technology and AI playing a much bigger role
- Highlight both the benefits and shadow of AI and technology
- Major social change …Aquarius will not be comfortable with patriarchal structures that exist due to tradition [Capricorn] but there is always the potential for the shadow to resist as is happening now.
- Urge for acceptance of differences …greater understanding of diversity and gender awareness [LGBTQI], and reactions against this
- Libertarian, and right wing / populist philosophies coming more to the fore as
- New political structures that transform power structures ...for better or worse
- Urge for greater freedom, equality sometimes at the expense of social justice
- End of monarchy but the rise of leaders who assume this mantle?
Pluto in Aquarius will change our world however we feel about this