Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn: The Final Act
Between September 1st and November 16th, 2024, Pluto will be retrograding for the last time in its transit of Capricorn. This process will sign the end of an era, which started in 2008, characterized by profound transformation on a global and personal basis. Over the past 16 years, Pluto has unrelentingly worked at uncovering, destroying, and rebuilding the very foundations of our societies, economies, and power dynamics.
Mundane Effects
With Pluto retrograding in Capricorn for the last time, the world is standing on the brink of major reflection and possible upheaval. Capricorn is the sign of authority, governance, and institutions that have definitely seen its pillars shaking since Pluto's ingress in 2008. Economic recessions, political revolutions, and the questioning of long-standing systems of power have been ongoing. This final retrograde encourages a reevaluation of these transformations.
Expect governments and corporations to come under increasing scrutiny as past decisions and policies are called into question. This can also be a time when old structures finally crumble to give rise to the new order that Pluto's ingress into Aquarius will bring with it. This is a time when legacies are either cemented or brought to ruin for those at the top of the pyramid. This could be the final thrust in bringing humanity face to face with the shadow side of capitalism, authority, and institutionalized power in such a way that permanent reforms or breakdowns may ensue.
Personal Impact
On a personal level, this retrograde invites us to confront what it is in our lives that is resisting change. Pluto through Capricorn has been pushing many of us to confront fears of control, authority, and ambition. Now, in its retrograde period, we have to go back over the lessons and release anything that no longer serves us.
For those with strong Capricorn placements, or planets at the late degrees of cardinal signs-Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn-it may be felt more intently. A time to face any remaining attachments to power, control, or outdated ambitions. The energy calls for a deep, internal audit-what structures in your life need to be reformed, redefined, or released? This retrograde is the last opportunity to come to peace with these transitions and get ready to stride forward with the new cycles that are awaiting.
The Mythological Perspective
In mythology, Pluto was the god of the underworld-the ruler over the dead and over those treasures that were buried beneath the earth. His role is not just one of destruction, but transformation and regeneration. Many of the myths that involve Pluto deal with struggles of power, the inevitability of change, and the unseen forces that mold our lives.
Capricorn, the sea-goat and god Saturn, denotes Cronus, the timekeeping Greek personification of order and discipline. Saturn's mythic act of eating his children to avoid being overthrown by them belongs to this same circle of the unstoppable movement of time and the sure collapse—even of the most powerful power.
Put these figures together, and you have a metaphor for the struggle between holding on to order and embracing transformation. Pluto in Capricorn was all about confronting the structures-both within us and without-that we cling to for security and control. Now, in retrograde, it is like Hades goes back into the underworld one last time before moving on, assuring that nothing of value is left behind.
Humanizing Pluto's Final Retrograde
And while those myths and mundane implications paint this as a grand picture, we must remember that Pluto's retrograde touches us on a very personal level: the dark night of the soul-being asked to face one's deepest fears, question the structures we build our lives upon, and find the will to let go.
This retrograde is about introspection regarding what might have enticed us away from one relationship, a decision, or an ambition that has defined us in the past. It is a great opportunity to heal old wounds, let go of grudges, and move on with life. The energy is thick and deep in its transformation. We are called upon, as Pluto nears the end of his time in Capricorn, to find peace with the past, integrate lessons learned, and prepare for new beginnings on the horizon.
In this last act, Pluto invites us to open our arms to change-not as an enemy, but rather a necessary force for growth. Be it letting go of an outmoded career path, letting go of a relationship that no longer serves us, or simply rehashing our goals and ambitions, this retrograde is a time to clear the way for what is to come.
Aries Rising (10th House):
Pluto retrograde in your 10th house of career and public life is asking you to reassess your ambitions and the power dynamics in your professional environment. You may confront deep-seated fears around success or authority, leading you to transform how you approach your career and leadership roles. This period is an opportunity to redefine your goals and ensure they align with your authentic self.
Taurus Rising (9th House):
With Pluto retrograde in your 9th house of beliefs, higher education, and travel, you’re being called to examine your philosophies and long-held beliefs. This may involve challenging your worldview and digging into what truly drives your quest for meaning. It’s a time to shed outdated beliefs that no longer serve you and embrace a more profound truth that aligns with your evolving sense of purpose.
Gemini Rising (8th House):
Pluto retrograde in your 8th house brings intense focus to matters of shared resources, intimacy, and transformation. You might revisit past issues related to trust, power, or financial entanglements. This is a potent time to heal old wounds and transform how you approach deep emotional connections and shared assets. It’s about finding empowerment through vulnerability and embracing the cycles of death and rebirth in your life.
Cancer Rising (7th House):
For Cancer risings, Pluto retrograde in the 7th house of partnerships puts the spotlight on your relationships. You may encounter power struggles or unresolved issues within close partnerships, whether romantic, business, or otherwise. This transit encourages you to explore the deeper dynamics of your relationships, seeking to transform and strengthen them. It's a time to confront what’s been hidden and create more balanced and empowering connections.
Leo Rising (6th House):
Pluto retrograde in your 6th house focuses on your daily routines, work environment, and health. You may need to re-evaluate how you manage your time and energy, especially in terms of your work habits and self-care routines. There’s a call to transform your approach to service and health, perhaps by confronting underlying issues that have been holding you back. This is a time for profound change in how you serve others and take care of yourself.
Virgo Rising (5th House):
With Pluto retrograde in your 5th house of creativity, romance, and children, you’re urged to dig deep into what brings you joy and how you express yourself creatively. This period may bring up past issues around self-expression, love, or your creative projects, giving you a chance to transform these areas. It’s about rediscovering your passion and ensuring that your creative and romantic pursuits reflect your true self.
Libra Rising (4th House):
Pluto retrograde in your 4th house of home and family brings a focus on your roots, family dynamics, and sense of security. You might need to revisit and transform deep-seated patterns within your family or your own inner foundation. This is a powerful time to heal ancestral wounds or reshape your home life to better reflect who you are now. It’s about creating a solid and supportive foundation from which you can grow.
Scorpio Rising (3rd House):
For Scorpio risings, Pluto retrograde in the 3rd house of communication, siblings, and local environment calls for a deep review of how you communicate and connect with those around you. You might confront issues related to how you share your ideas or interact with your immediate community. This is a time to transform your communication style, perhaps by releasing old patterns of thinking and embracing more authentic ways of expressing yourself.
Sagittarius Rising (2nd House):
With Pluto retrograde in your 2nd house of finances, values, and self-worth, you’re encouraged to reassess your relationship with money and possessions. This transit may bring up deep-seated fears or power struggles related to your financial security and personal values. It’s a time to transform how you view your resources and what you truly value, ultimately leading to a more empowered sense of self-worth.
Capricorn Rising (1st House):
Pluto retrograde in your 1st house of self and identity is a profound period of personal transformation. You may be called to shed old identities or ways of presenting yourself to the world. This is a time to confront deep aspects of your personality that need to be transformed, leading to a more authentic expression of who you are. It’s about embracing your power and stepping into a new version of yourself.
Aquarius Rising (12th House):
For Aquarius risings, Pluto retrograde in the 12th house of the subconscious, spirituality, and hidden matters invites you to explore the deeper, often hidden aspects of your psyche. This is a time for deep inner work, possibly confronting past traumas or subconscious fears. You’re being called to transform your inner world, perhaps by letting go of self-sabotaging patterns and embracing spiritual growth. It’s about healing from within and emerging stronger and more enlightened.
Pisces Rising (11th House):
With Pluto retrograde in your 11th house of friendships, groups, and aspirations, you’re encouraged to reassess your social connections and long-term goals. This transit may bring up power dynamics within your social circles or challenge your sense of belonging within groups. It’s a time to transform how you engage with others and what you aspire to, ensuring that your social life and goals align with your true values and desires.
