Pluto's Going Retrograde—Here's How to Make It Worthwhile

On April 24, 2019, 11:48 am PT, Pluto, the little dwarf planet named after the god of the underworld, will turn retrograde. (And yes, Pluto is still a planet. If you’re interested in what happened there, it’s at the end of this article.) While we’re well aware these days that Pluto is a planet, many of us don’t know what it means when this planet goes retrograde. Well, we can tell you that when Pluto is active in your chart, it’s life-changing.

Side note before we get started: This is one of three retrogrades happening this April—things are about to get crazy!

Okay, So What Happens When Pluto Turns Retrograde?

When Pluto (the planet of transformation) goes retrograde, you have extra time and power to achieve your goals. Pluto just asks one thing: Release what is not serving you in the pursuit of your goals. Basically, kill off your excuses and send your self-sabotaging behaviors to the underworld. What you’ll be left with is a short list of things to do and the power to achieve your goals.

Sound a little intense? Well, prepare to meet the most badass version of yourself. The energy behind Pluto in retrograde gives you the power to no longer take “no” for an answer. It allows us to be honest with yourself and ruthlessly candid with everyone you meet.

How Long Will This Retrograde Last?

Courtesy of @becca_reitz

This year, Pluto is going retrograde on April 24, and will last until October 2, 2019.

Pluto moves very, very slowly. And by slowly, we mean it takes 248 years to go around your chart. So you’ll only experience Pluto in a small section of your chart over the course of your lifetime. But this also means that when Pluto is there, it’s a very strong force for change.

What Can We Expect From This Pluto Retrograde?

With this Pluto in Capricorn, you can feel an intense desire for recognition, power, and independence. Basically, you’ll want to be the dictator of your life. With this insatiable wish for power, you’ll have more ability to achieve goals, realize plans, and transform your life more than ever before. But no rush! Pluto will be traveling through Capricorn until 2025.

If you’re born between the 10th and 15th of any month, you’ll be most empowered by Pluto to make big changes in your life this year. (Want to know how? Ask the tarot cards what’s in store for 2019.) Additionally, if your moon or rising sign is in Capricorn, Pluto may also have an extremely impactful change in your life.

Here’s how this retrograde will affect you.

How Will Pluto Retrograde Affect My Sign?

Courtesy of @sophiemoates

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

During this retrograde period, your career will be the focal point. Is this the job you want to be doing in 5 or 10 years? Aries natives who work in transportation, retail sales, or any position that can be automated should be considering different industries to work in. You’ll have to spend the next few years getting trained, but Pluto might speed up this process.

See your full Aries horoscope for April 2019.

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Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Pluto is transforming your reputation. If you’re aiming for fame via followers on social media, acting, or music, it’s time to get committed to your goals and put your creativity to work. This is the best time to fight through self-doubt and ignore trolls or rejections. Go big or go home over these next few years, Taurus!

See your full Taurus horoscope for April 2019.

Gemini (May 21 – June 30) 

Your finances will be a major theme for Geminis until 2025. It’s time to be honest with yourself about how you’re handling your money. Is it time to get set up with a financier or financial planner? Put your checkbook in order, opt in to your company’s 401k program, and look at how you can create passive income sources for yourself and your family.

See your full Gemini horoscope for April 2019.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) 

For you Cancer, relationships will be the highlight during Pluto’s retrograde. Make your relationships better by making the first move toward change. If change is out of the question, then Pluto will ask you to move on from that relationship. This goes for love relationships as well as friendships. This is a very good time to reconnect with old friends and to find new ones.

See your full Cancer horoscope for April 2019.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leo, you’ll want to pay attention to your body here. During this period, it’ll be very helpful for you to stick to a healthy diet plan. It’s okay to try different ones, but find one you can bring into your lifestyle. (This also goes with exercise!) This is also a time when existing health issues can be dealt with by finding the right care and treatment.

See your full Leo horoscope for April 2019.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Your children (or pets) will be a theme during Pluto’s retrograde. Maybe it’s time to set up boundaries with your adult children. With younger children, Pluto brings help with the power struggle of bedtimes and eating veggies. Same can be said with pets who take over the house and your schedule. If you’re experiencing fertility issues Virgo, the right professional can be found at this time.

See your full horoscope for April 2019.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Pluto is transforming your home, Libra. You may have been feeling as though the way you live isn’t matching the vision you have of your ideal home. Pluto will help you close that gap. First thing’s first though, get rid of the weight that’s bringing you down. Now is a great time for extreme decluttering. If you want to build a house for yourself, go for it. If you want to start in a new place (say, a different country), go for it. This is about starting fresh.

See your full horoscope for April 2019.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

That self-doubt mantra that seems to follow you around? Pluto can help you banish these negative thoughts. Maybe meditation is the play? If not, hypnosis and biofeedback might also be effective for you, Scorpio. During this transit, you can eliminate blocks to your goals and release yourself from the pain of the past.

See your full Scorpio horoscope for April 2019.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Income and money is the game here until 2025, Sagittarius. Now is a great chance to increase your income by switching jobs, starting a business, or partnering with someone you trust. Put together the deal and call the important decision-makers so you can pitch them your ideas. Use this time also to learn how to budget and economize.

See your full Sagittarius horoscope for April 2019.

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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Pluto is in your sign so you’ll be most affected by this transit. During this time, Pluto will strip away any false crutches you were leaning on in order to push you toward your strongest self. What’s more, Pluto will also bring you opportunities outside your comfort zone—pressuring you into evolution. Take the risk! The world is yours.

See your full Capricorn horoscope for April 2019.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Being a jazzed up Aquarius, sometimes it’s hard to push the “pause” button. But Pluto is here to help you find peace. Pluto might block your access to normal escape routes like drugs, alcohol, movies, or video games. Peace now is found through being in nature. It can be found in meditation, religious services, or tapping into the magical part of you. The most important thing it asks you to let go of is bad habits and addictions.

See your full Aquarius horoscope for April 2019.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Where is your place, Pisces? Pluto will bring focus to how you see your place in the world. This is a good period to volunteer, get politically active, start a foundation, or travel to another country to give aid. You can enact reforms and advance on your goals as others step up to help you. Not only will this fulfill you, but others will support your plans.

See your full Pisces horoscope for April 2019.

Okay, Real Talk: Is Pluto Actually a Planet?

Astronomers have three criteria when considering planets. One of those is that the object must be the biggest object in its region. Pluto actually has a couple of large neighbors; Eris and Sedna (astrologers have already started speculating what these “planets” will mean in our lives). Being that Pluto has these large neighbors it can’t, by an astronomer’s definition, be a planet. But to astrologers, Pluto is still considerably important in its energetic effects on the Universe.

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