Pluto, the Transformer, Retrogrades in Aquarius
Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, the volcanic force that transforms us, is retrograde from May 6, 2026, at 5 degrees Aquarius ‘til mid-October. As Pluto retrogrades, we move into deeper layers of interior awareness. Certain areas of our lives turn inward (based on what area of life is affected, information found in our astrology charts) for assessment, reorganization and transformation. The question becomes how are we being transformed? With Pluto retrograde certain areas of life fall away, some things linger in shadows, some things rise up into the light. Pluto gives us a rare window into ourselves.
The talk today assessing and the idea of halting AI (big tech’s shadow) is part of the Pluto in Aquarius (technology) turning retrograde (turn back). During the retrograde of Pluto, issues of birth, death and rebirth are considered. Persephone may be in the news, or we feel like Persephone eating our pomegranates. Aquarius is the sign of the new era. As Aquarius comes forth, the previous era of Pisces goes into a state of destruction and discord. Anything not useful from the previous era falls away, dropping into Pluto’s depths.
Pluto was last in Aquarius from the 13th to 18th centuries. Reviewing those times, we catch a glimpse of the issues that may appear in our present world. It was a time of massive revolutionary shifts, including the American and French Revolutions dismantling outworn power structures. It was the time of Enlightenment. The Enlightenment focused on liberty, human rights, and the publication of foundational democratic texts. The beginning of the Industrial Revolution accelerated. In 1776, the new continent of America with the Declaration of Independence was created. Other events under Pluto in Aquarius – destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, the construction of the Colosseum, and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Pluto circles the zodiac every 246 years. Pluto is not subtle!
In times of chaos and disorder there is always great opportunity. In times of conflict, embedded deep within is the promise of a new harmony. In times of lack there is sharing. In times of upheaval and revolution, there is hope. In times of necessity, humanity (the world disciple, Hercules) steps forward and serves. And in times of loss, rays of love/wisdom from Sirius and the heart of the Sun penetrate the heart of humanity offering new life to come. But first we turn inward, reflecting on technology, societal power structures, community, innovation and personal transformation. And so, Pluto retrograde in Aquarius for each sign…
ARIES: In your work in the world, in your profession, in what you are doing now and what you choose to do in the future: You will be called to be a focused and determined leader, holding the light for others who will climb the mountain of responsibility with you. Your ambition will shift from that of the self to serving and assisting others. You will then recognize your life purpose.
TAURUS: In your ideals, goals, and visions and how you use money: Your one-pointed focus on the world salvage began this past year and will accelerate. You will be like a rider on a horse with bow and arrow in hand symbolizing your goals. You will clear the way for others seeking the path of survival in order to create a sense of well-being despite the coming turmoil. Being a true visionary, you will be the Teacher.
GEMINI: In your interactions with others and use of resources: You will at times be an eagle then a phoenix shedding the past, assuming a scorpion demeanor. This is purposeful. From emotional desires you’ll progress to selfless desires, referred to as spiritual aspiration. From previous battles your immortality (Soul) emerges. You will no longer hide in darkness but stand in the light. You will sustain and revitalize others through your learned loving kindness.
CANCER: In your relationships and daily work: You will seek to move from feeling imbalanced to the urge for equilibrium, which then moves to perfect balance. Gradually, instead of seeing people as winners or losers, you see them perfected by sorrow and sacrifice. Interpersonal relationships become transpersonal (spiritual) and your focus will turn to all of humanity. Light will radiate from your Ajna center (3rd eye), which is the light of Goodwill for all.
LEO: As you serve others: From the decimating use of self to serving without question, which embraces inclusivity, one of the new laws of the Aquarian era. Your search for order actually creates order, harmonizing the chaos and conflict. Your fear of emptiness shifts into your being a person who is resourceful. And instead of hiding away and working on yourself, you realize yours is a comforting healing presence in the world. Then you easily create all things new for the new culture and civilization.
VIRGO: In your sense of self as one who creates: You will realize that within the heart of the Sun there is a love that reaches out to your heart. Instead of being a reflecting light, you will emanate a light that becomes a source of light for others. Instincts will no longer rule you nor simply your shiny intelligence. Intuition will be your guide as you begin to love more. The Right use of Will becomes purposeful because you will identify as divine.
LIBRA: In your deepest sense of self and how you nurture: From being totally subjective and under a shell, you will emerge out into nature, the most balanced of kingdoms. You will no longer be afraid. From nurturing only yourself, you will seek the waters of Earth and then the waters of Life. Only these quench your thirst. As you have lived a self-preserving life, you begin to self-nurture and then nurture others. Then your true independence will come forth.
SCORPIO: Within your mind: From relationship to relationship, you sought yourself. When acting with the intention of creating Right Relations with all kingdoms your higher mind is activated. Relation will be not only within the recesses of yourself but will ray out to others. Your mind transforms, becomes whole(istic) and instead of polarizing into the self, your focus becomes harmony with others. Instead of being tossed by the wind, you will direct the wind.
SAGITTARIUS: With form, resources and values: Gradually your mind becomes focused on the divine. You learn how to resolve conflicts within and without. Instead of a hidden sense of being limited, you learn all you can about desire until it becomes aspiration. Your struggle with desire becomes a horn of spiritual plenty. From dualism will emerge your extraordinary sense of truth and justice. Then the music begins.
CAPRICORN: Within your very sense of self, which has been focused so deeply on helping others. Your life has been directed and inspired so you see that you and others are One and that love underlies all happenings of our times. You begin to feel the pulse of life which is a power and you radiate power which becomes your purpose. Eventually you realize it is the Will of God within. These realities you will come to know and understand and wield with the fires of Love.
AQUARIUS: Within your spiritual self, yet hidden: From the opaque waters where you cannot see, you will enter into the springs and waters of life, becoming a server, a mentor, a mediator and then a savior. This will be because you will develop a directed sensitivity that is filled with compassion for thirsty humanity. Instead of feeling different, you realize that difference contains future information. And you will be liberated. You have been seeking this knowledge through friends.
PISCES: Within your group: Always service oriented, though always asking how to serve, soon there will be a directed sense that you can activate your visions, which will assist in the planetary shifts. Humanity, through your teachings, can birth new archetypes and rhythms needed on Earth. You will move from the stumbling revolutionary to the One who Understands the Plan, teaching cyclic movement and organizing structures that unify. Your visions gradually geometrize and come to Light.
Risa – writer, editor, educator, teacher, psychological-spiritual counselor, mentor, astrologer & esotericist, home chef. Founder & Director of The Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute/College, a contemporary Wisdom School (center for spiritual discourse & study) for the Ageless Wisdom teachings. Foundations of the Teachings are the study & application of exoteric & esoteric Astrology, the Seven Rays, Theosophy, Esotericism, all religions, art, science & Raja Yoga meditation. risagoodwill@gmail.com nightlightnews.org