Don’t let the size fool you.
Big Pluto Energy: How to Embrace the Most Intense Planet in Astrology
It’s a fact: Every astrologer has a favorite planet they hold near and dear to their hearts. I personally adore Pluto—and so should you! (Sorry, NASA, Pluto is still a planet in astrology, whatever you say!)
Pluto Retrograde resides on my Libra ascendent in my natal chart and has taught me many lessons in my 30-plus years. First off, I’ve become more tolerant of other people’s views and opinions, which, um, isn’t always easy. I’ve also come to embrace the hidden depths of my personality, like my unwavering loyalty to others, confidence, and brutal honesty. TL;DR: I’ve learned to embrace all my emotions—the good, the bad, the ugly—and to commit my life to personal growth. Not too shabby for a lil teeny planet, amirite??
When we look at our charts and cosmic transits, the dwarf planet Pluto represents transformation. While Pluto may be small in size (it’s approximately half the width of the whole United States *the more you know*), it packs a bigger punch than most other planets in astrology. It moves slowly, taking a whopping 12 to 30 years to move through just one sign, and 248 years to move through the whole zodiac. (The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was in 1778!)
Because of this, Pluto is sometimes called a "generational planet"—meaning that most millennials have the same Pluto sign. People born between 1983 and 1995 are sometimes even called the "Pluto in Scorpio generation." Unlike, say, Mercury's movements, which have a strong affect on the details of your day-to-day life (hey, Mercury Retrograde), Pluto's movements are more about the bigger picture—think missing your train vs. um, a worldwide pandemic (yeah, some astrologers said the Saturn-Pluto conjunction back in January 2020 was a sign that something world-changing was coming soon.)
Pluto's energy is extremely potent and powerful. The bb planet represents the underbelly of emotions, what lies beneath the surface, and the subconscious mind. All the parts of ourselves that we do not share freely with the outside world. (Casual.) It destroys weak foundations, only to rebuild stronger and more resilient than before. (Again, totes chill.) Pluto is also the natural investigator and BS detector of the zodiac—it’s hard to get anything past this intense planet. In a word: Intense.
On a deeper psychological level, Pluto is the master of transformation. Think of Kylie’s hair color as the planet Pluto—always evolving. The lil bb planet is also, um, kinky. Like Fifty Shades–level kinky. Pluto is sexually explorative and finds great pleasure in pain, bordering on masochistic. (It's no surprise that it's the ruling planet of Scorpio!) The reasoning is that Pluto loves to explore and honor edgier sentiments within. Pluto urges us all to normalize fetishes and fully embrace this side of ourselves. Why? Because Pluto wants us all to live our truth, not hide.
On a bad day, Pluto can bring out power struggles with others and triangular relationships. (PSA: Love triangles do not necessarily mean a third IRL person is involved.) (Although, yes, it can sometimes mean that too.) Instead, it might mean that, say, our desire for fame and success stands between us and our partners. Or religious differences. Power struggles are common with Pluto, too, as the need to always be “right” and in control can force us to have arguments with others. It can add heaviness and obsession to relationships and projects—with Pluto currently orbiting the sign of Capricorn, it has proven to be the latter of the two.
Pluto has been in Capricorn, the sign of structure, since January 24th, 2008, and will continue to roam through this pragmatic earth sign until 2024 (with one exception: it will exit Capricorn for a few months in 2023 and then return during its retrograde). During this period, Pluto will expose abuses of power, build better business models, normalize sexual taboos, and hopefully encourage equal pay for equal work. Y'know, casual!
Where we're at now: After being retrograde for much of 2020, Pluto turned direct on October 3, 2020. During its retrograde period, we looked fear in the eyes. We healed ourselves. We also pushed ourselves to work and play hard—to use our voice and speak up. With the knowledge and insight we’ve gained, we can move forward with a deeper understanding of ourselves and our passions, stronger than ever.
Look back, appreciate your growth, and enjoy a moment of calm now, because Pluto begins another retrograde period on April 27, 2021 (yes, still in Capricorn). Deep breaths. We got this!
This story originally appeared on: Cosmopolitan - Author:Lisa Stardust
