Pluto in Aquarius 2023: Empowering Networks
On March 23, 2023, Pluto will move into Aquarius, the sign of innovation and collectivism. It will dip back into Capricorn in the second half of 2023, and briefly, in the fall of 2024. See the full dates for Pluto in Aquarius here. Pluto will remain in Aquarius for roughly 20 years, until 2043.
When Pluto moves through an astrological sign, it brings deep transformation. That means a trip to the underworld, the caterpillar turning to mush before being reborn as a butterfly, or the phoenix rising from the ashes in the wake of a fire. But, Pluto doesn’t have to be scary. Sometimes we’re ready for change. When we know it’s coming, we can work with it to co-create a better reality. Because of Pluto’s catharsis, it’s also associated with healing.
Read on to explore what Pluto might bring to Aquarius in the next few decades, and check out my 2023 Astrology Preview to get more insights on other transits.
The Archetypes of Pluto and Aquarius
Pluto represents the underworld, phoenix rising from the ashes, power and empowerment, exposing truth, the primordial, roots, DNA, transformation, destruction and creation, catharsis, decay and fertilization, purifying, taboos, and regeneration.
Aquarius is associated with groups, collectivism, networks, humanitarianism, technology, and innovation.
The Possibilities of Pluto in Aquarius
Where Pluto is, we find power struggles. As the outer planet shifts from the traditional structures of Capricorn to the freewheeling interconnected groups of Aquarius, we may see a shift in power from the institutions of politics, banks, and religion, over to community-driven organizations, local governments, and social networks.
The early breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and self-operating vehicles bring up a lot of questions around individual versus collective responsibility. There may be shifts in how money and currency are handled, also impacted by Uranus in Taurus (until 2026). The improvements in efficiency and impact on labor from AI may boost the wealth initially for only those at the top, before pressures of equality allow it to trickle down.
Aquarius is also associated with humanitarianism and healthcare, while Pluto is associated with genes and DNA (roots, so to speak). We could see shake ups in how healthcare is accessed, driven by breakthroughs that affirm human rights.
Previously: What Happened During Pluto in Capricorn
Pluto entered Capricorn, the sign of structure, leadership, and solitude, in 2008. Capricorn represents the father — the patriarch, so to speak.
Pluto’s journey through Capricorn kicked off with the breakdown of banks, exposing the weak structure of real estate loans, and resulting in the Great Recession. In the U.S., we also elected the first black president, which helped to expose racism that was previously beneath the surface. Shifts in gender dynamics brought the #MeToo movement, challenging the status quo and hierarchies that claimed to be equal, but are not. The wounds Pluto brought to the surface can now heal, as Pluto moves on through the astrological calendar.
Historical Examples of Pluto in Aquarius
Pluto was last in Aquarius in the late 1700s. This time also saw the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolution, and the Haitian Revolution. Themes of these times are around putting power into the hands of the people and widespread reform, especially around human rights.
This time also saw the Enlightenment, a leap forward in consciousness bringing sweeping changes to art, science, and religion, and the Industrial Revolution, with shifts in labor and efficiencies through technology.
Tips for Navigating Pluto in Aquarius
Pluto will journey through Aquarius for around 20 years, but we will get our first taste (usually through an initial surge) in spring of 2023. Aquarius, being a fixed sign, is principled. Aquarius wants progress and individuality. The old rules don’t apply, as Pluto leaves Capricorn. It’s time to connect with neighbors and chosen families. Create systems of support. Question authority.
