Pluto in Aquarius: The Awakening

by Linda Kaye | Nov 18, 2024 | 2023, 2024, Current Astro News, News

March 23, 2023 — January 19, 2044*

The day the power of love overrules the love of power,
the world will know peace.
— Mahatma Gandhi

The ancient study of Astrology applies observation and correlation to help us understand planetary cycles. Therefore, when contemplating Pluto’s movement into Aquarius, it is helpful to note a couple of important events that occurred when it last completed its journey through this sign over 225 years ago (April 1777 – December 1798). Shortly before Pluto began its last Aquarian passage the 1776 United States Declaration was enacted. It was also during this period that the American Revolutionary War was fought and won (1775 – 1783). Additionally, with the motto, “liberty, equality, and fraternity,” the citizens of France incited the French Revolution, the removal of the ruling class, and the subsequent enactment of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789 – 1799).

Revolutions are an Aquarian theme, and obviously, many things occurred during Pluto’s last movement through Aquarius. However, and based on current global events, the correlations we can derive from the above monumental events are revelatory in terms of what we might expect in the upcoming years. With just these two occurrences, we can ask ourselves … what have we learned about Plutonian power and the Aquarian themes of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the last 225 years and how might we apply this knowledge to Pluto’s current passage through Aquarius?

The dismantling of outmoded ways of being are simultaneously occurring in our personal lives. Pluto encourages deep internal transformation, and Aquarius awakens us to new realities. Things are about to become more and more unfamiliar and in Aquarian speak, “very weird.” From the perspective of innovative Aquarian concepts, this is a good thing.

Pluto’s journey through Aquarius will inspire radical revolutionary ideas, technological breakthroughs, deeper metaphysical/philosophical understandings, and amazing new space discoveries. Aquarius also rules artificial intelligence (AI). This is important to remember from the standpoint of our awakening because we’ll need to empower ourselves with the knowing that our human body has the capacity to be far more intelligent than any AI machine. Therefore, we’ll want to be cognizant of our ability to use AI to assist us and not hand over our sovereignty, whereby it begins to use us to assist it.

From a personal perspective, we will seek liberation from crystalized forms of self-definition as we examine our fixed and rigid ideas about how things “should be.” As a result, many of us will sever attachments that prevent future growth so we can hold new ways of being. This will be the time to honor and learn from our differences and not fear them.

Aquarius represents groups, the collective, the whole. New organizations will arise with new social visions. The actual areas of focus will depend on the ideals that are operating within the whole of the group. The question is, will the vision manifest constructively and elevate humanity, or will it destructively attempt to hang onto power and control? When long-held traditions are deemed too radical, a sense of uncertainty and insecurity may arise. If this occurs, innovations can be rejected as a threat by mainstream society.

Contrary to how it may look and feel, Pluto in Aquarius will aid the human species to awaken to its intrinsic connectedness to the whole of life. As this awakening continues, the creative capacity to develop new models that support environmental changes, transform government corruption, and remedy many social challenges will arise.

The magnitude of change about to occur as we embrace this new Aquarian Era is profound. Past foundations are no longer supporting our evolution, and the future is unknown. The definition of “power” (Pluto) is about to be transformed. This is our evolutionary moment to awaken and empower one another with the intrinsic realization that we are all connected to the whole. To deeply love, connect, support, and operate holistically is the greatest potential manifestation of Pluto’s journey through Aquarius.

May we all awaken to the power of love, cooperation, and
wholeness vs. hatred, misuse of power, and separation.

*This article was updated on November 19, 2024.

Dates for Pluto’s movement back and forth between Aquarius and Capricorn before finally settling into Aquarius on November 19, 2024 – January 19, 2044:
Aquarius: March 23 – June 11, 2023
Capricorn: June 11, 2023 – January 20, 2024
Aquarius: January 20 – September 1, 2024
Capricorn: September 1 – November 19, 2024
Aquarius: November 19, 2024 – January 19, 2044

© 2023 by Linda Kaye

2023 Mercury Retrograde Periods

by Linda Kaye | Nov 14, 2023 | 2023, Current Astro News, News

December 12, 2023 – January 1, 2024
(8°29′ Capricorn to 22°10′ Sagittarius)   

Pre-shadow period occurs November 25 – December 12
Mercury turns Retrograde on Dec. 12 at 11:09 p.m.* (8°29′ Capricorn)
Stations Direct on January 1 at 7:08 p.m. (22°10′ Sagittarius)
Post-shadow occurs from January 1 – 20, 2024

In general, Mercury is the planet that astrologically represents travel, communication, and our thought processes. Known as the Messenger of the Gods, Mercury’s role is to speedily deliver clear and precise information. Retrograding 3–4 times a year, when the planetary trickster strikes, many of our daily activities go haywire.

Mercury rules electronics and is often blamed for all types of technical mishaps with cell phones, electric devices, and computers — warranting an important time to back up your computer files. In general terms, machines of all kinds tend to act strangely and take on a Murphy’s Law theme.

Remain flexible and prepare for delays and miscommunications of all kinds. It is best to avoid signing any contractual agreements as matters begun during Mercury retrograde periods tend to take unexpected twists and turns in the future. During Mercury retrograde periods we often find ourselves revisiting past projects or situations that, once again, need our attention. It is also a time period, however, when we often hear from, or feel compelled to reach out to old friends or lovers whom we haven’t spoken to in some time.

Although Mercury retrograde periods can seem frustrating, they often provide opportunities to review or finish up old projects, contact old friends, or clean out the closet and garage. Mercury retrograde periods are an opportune time for introspection and deep thought, especially a couple of days directly before and after the exact retrograde day occurs.

Note: Planets do not actually move backwards (retrograde). A retrograding planet is the result of an optical illusion per its orbital relative speed from our point of view on Earth.

*Pacific time used throughout 

Previous 2023 Retrograde Periods

December 29 – January 18, 2023
(24°21′ Capricorn to 8°08′ Capricorn)   

Pre-shadow period occurs December 12 – December 28
Mercury Retrogrades on December 29 at 1:32 a.m. (24°21′ Capricorn)
Mercury Stations Direct on January 18, 2023, at 5:12 a.m. (8°08′ Capricorn)
Post-shadow occurs from January 18 – February 6

~~~

April 21 – May 14
(15°37′ Taurus to 5°50′ Taurus) 

Pre-shadow period occurs April 7 – 21
Mercury turns retrograde on April 21 at 1:35 p.m.* (15°37′ Taurus)
Stations direct on May 14 at 8:17 p.m. (5°50′ Taurus)
Post-shadow occurs from May 14 – 31

~~~

August 23 – September 15
(21°51′ Virgo to 8°00′ Virgo)   

Pre-shadow period occurs August 3 – 23
Mercury turns Retrograde on August 23 at 1:00 p.m.* (21°51′ Virgo)
Stations direct on September 15 at 1:21 p.m. (8°00′ Virgo)
Post-shadow occurs from September 15 – 29

© 2023 by Linda Kaye