Pluto enters Aquarius: What Power Will be Restored to the People?

Pluto enters Aquarius

This is the most significant transit, not only of this month, but for all of 2023! Technically, Pluto will not be flying at full Aquarian altitude until 2024, when its retrograde periods no longer dip back into Capricorn, but the next two years will give us insightful glimpses into what this 20 year journey will be about.

Pluto is the planet of radical transformation, destruction, death, rebirth, compulsions and power. Whatever sign Pluto takes residency in, it can bring the themes of that sign into power, and can also reveal the shadows of that sign. It shows us what needs to be destroyed for something better to emerge.

Since January of 2008, Pluto has been moving through the sign of Capricorn and revealing to us what is decaying and in need of rebuilding when it comes to our infrastructures, governments, banks, and institutions. This transit has also created huge gaps in wealth. When you look at your own chart and see which house or houses contain Capricorn, you can probably identify some destruction and rebuilding that Pluto brought to that area of your life.

March 23rd of 2023 — March 10th of 2043 we can expect an empowerment of the Aquarian themes - which include freedom, change, communities, commoners, humanitarianism, progression, forward-thinking, friendships, hope and group ideals. We can also expect huge leaps in technology and innovation! The next 20 years will be about WE, not ME. How will this energy show up in the world?

The last time Pluto was in Aquarius, nearly 250 years ago, during 1777 - 1797, it was during the American and French Revolutions when the people overwhelmingly rejected Kings and Monarchies. It was then that the United States founded the first democratic government, intended to give power to the people by giving them the chance to vote for their chosen leader. This was an extremely innovative concept (another Aquarian keyword!), and one that France shortly adopted as well.

With the return of Pluto to Aquarius, we could see a transformation or rebuilding of our democracy - some will try to destroy it altogether, but ultimately I believe it will rebuild stronger than before.

Pluto in Aquarius will also bring transformation to the way we create and use technology - huge breakthroughs in science are expected. Those with innovative ideas will come to power, and yes, the role of technology itself is likely to become empowered most likely through artificial intelligence and self-operating robots.

This transit could also bring about a change in our economic system and banks - fully shifting resources to digital formats and possibly creating a universal banking system and a more equal distribution of wealth globally.

For the shadow side of this transit, we can think about what happens when people organize a revolution and it goes too far, creating suffering and chaos. The shadow of Aquarius can also be overly intellectual and emotionally detached from others.

Ideally, this transit will bring out the best of humanity and highlight the power of human connection, but expect a battle before we get there.

As Pluto enters Aquarius today, it makes a bumpy landing as it squares the moon, creating feelings of insecurity and jealousy. Wild mood swings are expected as well as power struggles in the home.

Who will feel the effects of this transit most prominently? Anyone who has significant planets or angles in the fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and of course Aquarius. Expect to be presented with opportunities for deep transformation throughout Pluto’s twenty year journey. You may experience intense losses or crisis, but know that you will be reborn a wiser individual with the skills to help others on their path to healing and acceptance. Pluto only destroys what we no longer need to hold onto.

I also advise looking to the house that is occupied by the sign of Aquarius in your natal chart, even if you don’t have any planets in that house, you can prepare for a transformation related to that area of your life.

See the timeline below to know when you can approximately expect to do your Pluto assignment:

2023 - 2029 Fixed Placements from 0° - 10°

2029 - 2036 Fixed Placements from 10° - 20°

2036 - 2043 Fixed Placements from 20° - 29°

Historical events from the previous Pluto in Aquarius cycle (sourced from www.preceden.com)

  • The American Revolution continued eventually granting the Freedom of America from the British.

  • The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress.

  • The French Revolution was fought creating radical political and societal change in France.

  • The United States created the Dollar - the first decimal coinage system in history.

  • The first United States census took place.

  • A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft were published.

  • An Enquiry in Political Justice by William Godwin were published.

  • Vermont became the first state to abolish slavery.

  • The autobiography, Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil and Wicked Traffic of the Human Species was published by Ottobah Cugoano. The first book written by an African to demand the total abolition of the slave trade and reparations to African nations.

Tara Redfield