On January 20, 2024 Pluto moves into the sign of Aquarius ushering in one of the biggest energetic shifts of the year.
In this article I will be covering everything you need to know about Pluto and Pluto in Aquarius. Let's start with the basics and expand into the depths from there!
What is Pluto in Astrology?
Pluto is a dwarf or minor planet, and in astrology, is the planet of transformation. It's passion, power, control, depth, intensity, and dominating. In the natal chart, natal Pluto can show where you have to fight for power and can take control, and where you have the ability (and need) to transform in your life.
In transit, Pluto brings transformations. Sometimes this is traumatizing, and Pluto destroys everything in its path, forcing us to rise from the ashes. This normally happens with transit Pluto conjunct, square, or opposite a natal planet, especially the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, or Ceres. Since Pluto is so far from the Sun, his influence in transit is said to be more collective than individualistic, unless you have major Pluto energy in your natal chart - that could mean Pluto conjunct any natal planet or luminary, in hard aspects to natal planets, or Scorpio placements.
Pluto represents Hades in Greek mythology, the lord of the underworld. In astrology, Pluto governs our personal underworld, the collective and individual psyche and consciousness. If you go with the transformations, this can be a positive thing, and you can gain more power and control than you've ever had before.
Pluto Cazimi and Pluto Enters Aquarius
Three related events happen on January 20th: There’s a Sun-Pluto Cazimi (exact) conjunction, the Sun enters Aquarius, and Pluto re-enters Aquarius! Let’s interpret these in chronological order.
Pluto Cazimi: Sun-Pluto Conjunction
The Sun-Pluto Conjunction (29°59′ Capricorn, 5:46 am PST, Conjunct Fixed Star Aladfar, Eta Lyra in The Lyra Constellation) can amplify opportunities to increase your wealth and power. Obviously, wealth can be money or physical possessions. It can also be anything you value, whether it’s tangible or intangible. This is a good time to let the universe know what specific manifestations of wealth are most important to you and be mindful of Pluto at the anaretic degree.
What is the anaretic degree in astrology?
There are 30 degrees in every Zodiac sign, 360 degrees total (30 x 12). 29 degrees is the last degree of each Zodiac sign, and is called the anaretic degree as it has very high energy.
In the natal chart, the bodies at the anaretic degree have super heightened energy, and this is usually overwhelming and scary so we avoid it (though some go in the opposite direction and play it up too much, to their detriment). In transit, the anaretic degree is crisis energy. It's an *almost always* situation of triggering something really big and important with slow planets like Pluto.
Pluto at the 29th anaretic degree is Conjunct Fixed Star Aladfar (Eta Lyrae) in The Lyra Constellation. The Lyrans are one of the oldest groups of galactic ancestors and their home planet was destroyed during the Draco Wars, forcing them to colonize other star systems. Their galactic herstory is imbued with crisis energy, but ultimately the Lyrans are survivors and true cosmic warriors of the light, deeply committed to the Law of One and service-to-others. The Lyrans story reminds us even when something in life is destroyed, we can be strong and embrace change.
Luckily, we are through most of the anaretic Pluto dates and many of us felt this intense energy of endings or crises in 2023. In 2024, Pluto will be at the anaretic degree of 29º Capricorn (Tropical) from September 1st - November 19th, 2024.
Anaretic Pluto in Capricorn Impact:
This will be helpful to review when Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn later in 2024 from September 1st through November 19th. Pluto is the destroyer at the anaretic degree, so that is likely going to happen to what's ruled by Capricorn. Governments, corporations, countries, and institutions get direct focus, and we'll likely see some massive changes in all of these areas.
Some will collapse, scandals may come out, change may be forced, and it can seem like it comes out of nowhere, when really, it's been building up for a long time and we just haven't seen it until it blows. Some people in high places will likely come crashing down to Earth, and this can be a good thing in the long run, though it may not seem like it at the time, and it may create some chaos when it happens.
We have to avoid giving in to the intensity of Pluto though, and try to get some control over it. It can be easy to let passions run wild, and we end up doing things we regret and can't undo. Self-control is very important here.
This will be especially important for anyone who has a natal planet, angle, or other body at the anaretic degree. It doesn't matter the Zodiac sign; I find with the anaretic degree, the aspect doesn't matter, just being at that degree, it'll be lit up. If that's you, give focus on transforming with whatever the point rules.
For everyone, look to the house in your natal chart 29 degrees Capricorn falls. The areas of life ruled by that house can be where transformation is focused. Work to transform from the roots, and make use of passion to make progress with it. As you transform, keep in mind what's right, ethical, responsible, and smart - especially in regards to power when Pluto is at the 29th degree AND during January's Pluto Cazimi.
Power comes in two basic vibes, according to the inspired Law of One channeled material. Power Over or service-to-self power is greedy, manipulative, and ruthless, with no concern for anything beyond selfish gratification. On the flip side, Shared Power or service-to-other power uses power for the greater good, with more concern for others than yourself. When you walk far enough on this path, helping others becomes your greatest selfish pleasure!
This Pluto Cazimi - Sun-Pluto conjunction is a great time to clarify how you’re using power now, and how you want to use it moving forward.
Pluto rules psychology and trauma healing, so this aspect could also stir up some unhealed emotional wounds. This is a good time to have a quick and effective DIY shadow work technique on hand. If you don’t already have one, check out my PATREON for galaxies of healing and awakening resources. It’s amazing how much easier trauma healing can be when you delegate it to your higher self and call on your spirit and star guides!
The Sun Enters Aquarius
The Sun enters Aquarius on 1/20 at 6:07 am, just 21 minutes after the Sun-Pluto conjunction. Aquarius is the 11th sign of the zodiac, it is a fixed air sign and rules the ankles and calves, as well as thoughts, humanitarian efforts, technology, the internet, all things weird, and, of course, ALIENS!
Aquarians are the perfect representatives for the Age of Aquarius. Those born under this horoscope sign have the social conscience needed to carry us into the new millennium. Those of the Aquarius zodiac sign are humanitarian, philanthropic, and keenly interested in making the world a better place. For the next month, it can be easier to “fly your freak flag.” Internally embrace what’s unique and special about you, and share it with the world to the greatest extent that serves highest good.
Happy Solar Return Aquarius Suns!
Aquarius also rules intuitive hits, and these can come more easily. And the highest Aquarian expression is to serve others with those special talents you most love to use! In addition, from a community perspective, Aquarius can also be progressive, compassionate, justice-focused, and freedom-loving. The eleventh astrological archetype can be visionary, idealistic, and humanitarian, as well as philanthropic, socially engaged, and reform-minded. From a more individual angle, Aquarius can be ingenious, brilliant, and avant-garde. It can be inquisitive and open-minded. Finally, Aquarius can be determined, technology-focused, creative, and independent. How can you best use the energy of Aquarius?
Pluto Re-Enters Aquarius
One of the biggest astrological events of 2024 — Pluto re-entering Aquarius — happens at 4:56 pm PST.
Pluto returns to Aquarius on January 20, 2024 through August 31st. Then he’ll retrograde into Capricorn for two and a half months, before locking into Aquarius at the end of 2024. Pluto will spend almost 20 years in Aquarius in total, profoundly influencing the next two decades.
During Pluto's tour through Aquarius he will be conjunct Fixed Stars in Cygnus (The Swan), Aquila (The Eagle), Toucan (The Toucan), and Grus (The Crane). This is a time of major Avian Starseed Activations and Blue Avian energy upgrades.
To learn more about all NINE Avian Star Families - check out my Patreon: HERE
Pluto’s Meanings
Pluto has the same meanings as Scorpio, since both represent the eighth astrological archetype. For starters, Pluto represents death and rebirth. If something isn’t optimal, Pluto wants to either help you release it completely, or help you transform or heal it so it serves your highest good.
Two other major meanings of Pluto are wealth and power. Pluto also rules the occult – which need not be creepy. Occult just means “hidden.” In astronomy, for example, occultation happens when an object is blocked by another object passing between it and the observer.
Pluto rules lots of things that aren’t visible, or aren’t obviously apparent to the five senses. Astrology is an occult art, for example, along with things like channeling, psychic abilities, and mediumship.
Big Long Lasting Change is Upon Us
When you put Pluto and Aquarius together, you get “big change now!” Because Aquarius carries the same energy as Uranus, Pluto in Aquarius is reminiscent of the 1960s. A Pluto-Uranus conjunction potently influenced history from 1960 to 1972. This is the biggest astrological reason why that was such a radically transformative decade all over the world.
Things always get intense when we join the eighth archetype, represented here by Pluto, and the eleventh archetype, represented by Aquarius (and Uranus). Once again, it’s time for “big change now!”
We’re in a major period for shifting, changing, and pushing into the future, especially with Aquarius ruling the future. We can feel like we’re on the edge, at the precipice of something great, bold, maybe scary at times, but necessary. What has been can no longer be, and the future is now.
There can be massive transformations occurring during this period impacting the masses, involving tech or science, the occult, or our causes. We can be more invested in how what we do now impacts everyone at once, as well as way down the line in the future. We can also be more inventive, unconventional, and iconoclastic. This change started in 2023, and we continue to see the changes in 2024, but we’re only at the beginning, so it may not seem quite so big for now. Years later, we’ll look back and see just how big it actually was.
Pluto Transit Dates for 2024
Pluto enters Aquarius January 20, 2024
Pluto Stations Retrograde May 2, 2024 @ 10:47 am PST (Conjunct Altair in Aquila)
Exits Aquarius September 1, 2024 Pluto Stations Direct October 11, 2024 @ 5:32 pm PST (Conjunct Aladfar - Eta Lyra)
Re-enters Aquarius November 19, 2024 (Pluto will be in Aquarius to stay for almost 20 years!)
Exits Aquarius March 8, 2043 (Conjunct Enif, Epsilon Pegasi - Pegasus)
Re-enters Aquarius August 31, 2043
Exits Aquarius January 19 2044
How to Use Pluto in Aquarius
Some of this big change will be beyond your control. But you have plenty of choice about the big changes you want in your own life. Pluto in Aquarius is the perfect setup to rapidly accelerate your personal journey of transformation and evolution!
You can’t control everything in your personal life. Your higher self will make sure you get the experiences you need to have the best chance of fulfilling your life purpose. Some might be wonderful, while some might be challenging. A lot depends on how willingly you get on board with what you incarnated to do as a human being. You can absolutely confront obsessions and do the inner work required to transform yourself for the highest good for all.
Pluto rules trauma healing and shadow work, and the lightning-quick energy of Aquarius can help you do it faster than you might have thought possible. Pluto in Aquarius also support us with psychic cleansing and activation of our psychic gifts, especially clairvoyance and claircognizance. Pluto in Aquarius will undoubtedly see huge technological advancements, greater freedom, and a new cycle of death and rebirth.
As we shift into Pluto in Aquarius, it is ok to grieve the old parts of you that are falling away. Give yourself grace and step forward into the higher timelines that are calling you!
Embrace The Shift!
Original Art by: Heather Lemuria Hobson, PsyD
Heather's House of Healing & The Starseed Sanctuary®
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Remember: this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.