Pluto in Aquarius: The Sequel
Bridging the Threshold
On January 22nd we will experience the encore of Pluto in Aquarius as the Planet of Power crosses this threshold once again. Though much of it may be unconscious, we will work with this energy for a good chunk of 2024 before Pluto takes one last turn through Capricorn during its retrograde cycle later this year. We got our first taste of this Plutonian-Aquarian cocktail in March of 2023 and it’s likely Pluto’s next attempt in the Water-Bearer’s sign will turn up the heat. We also have some important alignments occurring the same day as this shift, so let’s dig into it.
Firstly, if you’d like to better understand the significance of Pluto transiting through Aquarius, I wrote an in-depth article about this last year. Otherwise, just know that Pluto is the planet of power and profound transformation and will be challenging each of us to step into the higher expression of Aquarius over the next 20 years. We’re just getting the first few sips of this energy now (and back in 2023 when it first entered this sign), but we still have some wrapping up to do in Capricorn. In fact, with Pluto being such a slow-moving planet and sitting so close to the cusp of these two signs, we’re looking at bridging these two energies together. No small feat for signs that are so utterly different from one another!
That being said, the traditional ruler of Aquarius is Saturn, who also rules Capricorn, so these two signs have more in common than it may appear at first glance. It is our job to reconcile their differences and shift each of them into an optimal expression, particularly with Capricorn who won’t see Pluto for another 250 years. If Pluto is demanding that we “change or die” wherever it moves, then we must step up to tie any remaining loose threads in the areas of Pluto-in-Capricorn.
Are we acting with integrity? Have we disciplined ourselves to achieve our goals? Do our ambitions align with our highest good? Have we succumbed to public pressure or compromised our ethics in any way? Have we been too afraid to publicly step into our personal truth and sovereignty? Have we allowed any emotional conditioning to deter us from our mission and path? Have we found meaningful work that aligns with our essence? There are many more questions that could be asked along these lines, but these are just a few for your consideration. Pluto will move through Capricorn once more between September 2nd and November 19th this year.
It’s easy to see the related themes between Aquarius and Capricorn when you consider the heart of Capricorn energy (in its highest expression, at least). The root of Capricorn lies in being able to seek your goals, attain success and build a career in ways that are totally honest, true to your essence, and aligned with your integrity and principles. We find Capricorn’s shadow when it suddenly becomes hungry for power for power’s sake, or when it begins to make trades on its integrity in order to meet its goals faster. This is the Politician archetype, who takes bribes or makes backdoor deals in order to further their career. Capricorn, in its highest expression, refuses such actions, holding true to its path and purpose, unafraid to put in the hard work and time required to obtain its goals.
Now let’s consider the heart of Aquarius. At its core, Aquarius (in its highest expression) must above-all remain dedicated to its personal truth and authenticity – whatever that may be. It cannot be swayed by tradition or peer pressure, it can only see things as they are and as the potential they hold. Aquarius refuses the worn path and seeks what has never been trod before. However, it only does this when it is in total alignment with its truth and authenticity. If the true essence of Aquarius happens to coincide with popular opinion, it also cannot “fake rebellion” just for the sake of being different. While Aquarius often is different and totally unique, the goal is to remain true to itself, even when that self is widely accepted and imitated.
Between these two signs we can see their inherent commonalities. It’s our job to bridge them together. We must step into the highest expression of each if we want to appease Pluto – which means, if we’re not currently on that path, we must be willing to shed and transform whatever is currently not serving us. Pluto’s job is to transform the old through pain, and the work becomes much easier when we don’t shy away from that pain, but embrace it and let the fire burn.
Alright, let’s step away from these philosophical ideas for a moment and discuss the other astrological features on January 22nd. Pluto’s shift into Aquarius will be further highlighted as the Sun moves into conjunction with it. Thus, a light in our conscious awareness is illuminating what would normally occur in our unconscious reality. We may suddenly become very aware of the dynamics described above (for Capricorn and Aquarius) and how they are currently playing out in our lives. We may also feel inspired in these areas and able to make shifts in ways that bring us joy, creative inspiration or that kindle our passions.
Another important aspect pattern is happening this day: we have a T-square between Venus in Sagittarius, the Moon in Gemini and Neptune in Pisces. Venus and the Moon will briefly oppose each other as they square Neptune. This can bring some friction into our personal relationships and frustration or anger. We may feel pulled in two different directions with lots of frenetic energy flowing through our bodies.
The key to resolving this tension lies in the square to Neptune – if we can channel that restless energy into our spiritual practice, we can find some relief and release. Doing something creative is recommended now – especially creative writing or journaling. Music would be an excellent outlet, whether playing, singing, dancing or just listening. If you’re not feeling too physically anxious, you could try meditation, or perhaps movement meditation. The challenge here, represented by the square aspects, is to allow yourself a bit of surrender through this process. Allow yourself to lean into faith and trust that these energies will resolve themselves if you are not in resistance to them. In the end you may arrive at some new ideas, inspiration or creative projects!
I hope this next rotation of Pluto in Aquarius brings you transformation that pushes you into a freer, more authentic expression. The energies are beginning to speed up now and there’s lots of potential for big changes to be made. May they bring you blessings, growth and fulfillment!
If you want to take an even deeper dive into the significance of Pluto, you can check out Part 1 of my article here.