Pluto Retrograde Is Here To Change Everything - Refinery29

Skip navigation!ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTPluto Retrograde Is Here To Change EverythingElizabeth GulinoLast Updated April 25, 2022, 9:57 PM Photo: Getty Images.It's been a relatively calm start to 2022, astrologically speaking — almost too calm. But things are about to turn up with a planetary backwalk. On April 29, Pluto, the Planet of Transformation and Destruction, will turn retrograde in the sign of Capricorn. Although Pluto's backwards dance isn't as chaotic as say, Mercury retrograde, there's still plenty for us to look out for as the astrological event continues until October 8, 2022.Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008, meaning that we've dealt with all of the associating themes before: business, structure, patriarchal constructs, karma, and stability, says Madi Murphy, co-founder of the CosmicRx. Pluto retrogrades roughly once a year for around six months at a time, so we've survived — and maybe even thrived — through it before. The main theme here? Reflection. "Under Pluto’s influence, we are called to examine themes like our psyche, our subconscious selves, shadow work, and transformation," says Murphy. Things are getting deep here.AdvertisementADVERTISEMENTAlthough the effects of Pluto's retrograde may take longer to feel, they are long-lasting — and this astrological event is all about implementing change into our lives. "We will work hard to mend our hearts and to embrace our fears," says Lisa Stardust, astrologer and author of The Love Deck. "Old wounds can resurface, but we can handle the situation and work through them by embracing change once our lives come crashing down." Things will get emotional for the next five months, but Stardust says we can use this time to "understand and reflect upon your life and the direction you’re headed down." Use the theme of reflection to also fuel your growth — Pluto loves to change things up, so focusing on using its energy to create positive change will be of the utmost importance.This particular Pluto retrograde is happening right when we're experiencing a powerful new moon solar eclipse in Taurus on April 30. "This will magnify its effects quite considerably," says Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com and author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power. "Our minds will feel heavy, and it will be hard to pinpoint what’s making us feel down or low energy."Pluto will also be forming a trine with Mercury in Taurus, which Montúfar describes as super-charged, since the Planet of Communication is about to enter Gemini. "Indeed, the universe is trying to tell us something, as a connection between Mercury and Pluto always brings up information to the surface," she says. "Big news with long-term effects will be getting delivered left and right."AdvertisementADVERTISEMENTKalina Trifonova, astrologer at Nebula, says to look out for the span of time between May 23 to May 27. During this time, she says how we see and understand love may be challenged. "You might feel the need to stand your ground and leave everything that is no longer serving you behind," she says. "If you decide not to act on your decisions from that period, on June 29 you will be put in a situation that challenges them again. It's advisable to stand your ground, yet try not to let yourself be provoked to act rashly."Remember, Pluto is a planet that's all about transformation and facing our shadow sides. Don't fear it — embrace it by owning your deepest and darkest selves, says Murphy. "You can use this transit for your personal empowerment by looking at the ways you self-sabotage or get in your own way and making small adjustments." Now's the time to ask yourself, what's holding you back from your spiritual evolution? "When you face them and decide to make changes, you will become aware you have way more power than you realize," she says.Take stock in what's going on in your life and figure out where you need to make the change — Pluto is slow, so don't be afraid to take your time. It will all work out in the end.AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT HoroscopesBuckle Up! The First Mercury Retrograde Of 2026 Has ArrivedR29 babes — sorry to say this, but the winter blues we’re all feeling aren’t immediately going to get better from Mercury’s backspin in Piby Lisa StardustHoroscopesYour Horoscope This Week: February 22 To 28Cosmic beings, you survived the Aquarius Solar Eclipse and the launch of the Year of the Fire Horse, and honestly… that was a lot. This week shifts the pby Dossé-Via TrenouUnbotheredBlack Grief Practitioners Are Protecting Black Life In DeathLike so many other injustices, Black people face magnified problems in death and dying wellness spaces. These women, aka "death doulas" are working to solvby Stephanie LongAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTHoroscopesPisces Season Is Here — & Drama Is IncomingRejoice! As we enter Pisces season, we’re also getting closer to spring. From February 18th to March 20th, the sun will be splashing around in the enby Lisa StardustHoroscopesYour Horoscope This Week: February 15 To 21R29 babes, this week begins in the dark of the moon, and we can all feel it. In the days leading up to the Aquarius Solar Eclipse, emotions run high beneatby Dossé-Via TrenouHoroscopesEclipse Season Is Here! Here’s How To Get Through ItEclipse season is here! The onset of the annual solar and total lunar eclipse is bringing a fateful chance for us to transform. We are shifting our ideas aby Lisa StardustHoroscopesYour Valentine’s Day Horoscope Is HereHappy Valentine’s Day! This year, we are reflecting on the importance of connection and acceptance — not from others, but from the relationship we haveby Lisa StardustHoroscopesSaturn In Aries Is Here — & It’s Time For You To Take ControlTime stands still for no one, or so the planet Saturn teaches us. Saturn is leading us into Aries on February 13th. As we move onward in life, the austere by Lisa StardustHoroscopesVenus In Pisces Is Here — & Now Let Your Own Fairytale UnfoldIn the midst of all the chaos going on in the world, it’s nice to know that Venus in Pisces is bringing us a fairytale vibe. Venus in Pisces, which lby Lisa StardustHoroscopesYour Horoscope This Week: February 8 To 14Cosmic beings, this week opens with the Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio, a liminal checkpoint between what has already climaxed and what is about to be rebornby Dossé-Via TrenouSin VergüenzaYour 2026 Valentine’s Day Tarot Reading Is Hereby Tatianna TarotHoroscopesYour Horoscope This Week: February 1 To 7Cosmic beings, this week opens loud. The Leo Full Moon on February 1st is not subtle, not chill, and definitely not interested in you playing it cool. Thisby Dossé-Via TrenouAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT