By: Lavene Gass
I have a love affair with the cosmos. It’s a magical feeling that I get when I gaze at the sky and marvel at the beauty and mystique of the celestial bodies beaming with bold cosmic energy. My intense cosmic love heightens when there are planetary retrogrades. Unfortunately, retrogrades are seen as a time of hysteria for some people - particularly Mercury Retrograde due to its impact on the particular areas that it governs. However, I look at retrogrades as a time of deep reflection.
What is a retrograde?
When Earth passes a particular planet in its orbit, the passed planet is considered to be in retrograde. When looking through a telescope, the passed planet, looks as if it’s moving backwards; however, it’s not moving in a backward motion – it’s an illusion. Periodically, planets go into retrograde and is stationed in a particular zodiac sign during the retrograde. Pluto’s retrograde in Capricorn started on April 25, 2020 and will remain in Capricorn until October 4, 2020. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, a planet associated with the following themes: dominance, structure, order, boundaries, ambition and practicality.
Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn:
Each planet rules a particular zodiac sign and governs energetic properties. Pluto, in Greek Mythology, is the ruler of the underworld. Figuratively speaking, your “underworld” houses suppressed emotions and thoughts. During a Pluto Retrograde those suppressed emotions and thoughts may rise to the surface and you may feel a strong sense to deal with those issues head on. The “underworld” also deals with past experiences that you typically run from: trauma, pain, generational curses, regret, guilt, shame, secrets, family issues, etc. In an effort to resolve suppressed thoughts and feelings, therapy and healing maybe profound reoccurring themes during this retrograde.
On the contrary, your “underworld” may not be a heavy load that you need to release. Instead, it might be a wake-up call for you to live an authentic, unapologetic life that is free from doubt and fear. Are you sleeping on a dream? Are you afraid to make your dream a reality? Do you find yourself making excuses as to why you cannot fulfill your life’s purpose? Are you encapsulated by fear rather than faith? If you’ve answered yes to any of the aforementioned questions, your “underworld” houses your goals and dreams. You are anchored to things that are preventing your goals and dreams from coming to the surface. During this retrograde, begin to unveil the pieces of yourself that are preventing you from taking a leap of faith. Release anything that is holding you captive to the “underworld.” Focus your attention on the following Chakras: Root, Solar Plexus and Throat.
Other themes that arise during a Pluto Retrograde include: transformation, rebirth, restoration, manipulation, control, and destruction.
Pluto rules the Water sign, Scorpio. It governs overall power: personal power as well as power of people, places and things. Disclaimer: If you’re prone to being controlling or being controlled, take this time to reflect on how you feel or how you make others feel. The same applies to how you deal with manipulation – one of the many darker themes of this retrograde.
This retrograde is a period of DEEP reflection! Since Pluto rules Scorpio, the sign of death and regeneration, you may feel an intense sense to free yourself from people, places and things that are no longer good for you or things that you’ve outgrown.
Key components during this period:
· Self-Reflection
· Purging
· Rebirth
· Restoration
· Transformation
· Healing
· Therapy
· Shadow Work
· Cleansing
· Power
· Control
· Manipulation
· Release
· Freedom
Grounding and Chakra balance is key. Using crystal(s) while meditating, wearing them or placing them around your house as an aesthetic may foster a sense of peace and tranquility.
Some Crystals for this Retrograde:
Carnelian (grounding - Root, Sacral & Solar Plexus Chakras)
Blue Apatite (communication - Throat Chakra)
Blue Aventurine (communication - Throat Chakra)
Indigo Gabbaro (heightens mental focus – Third Eye Chakra)
Yellow Aventurine (personal power/confidence - Solar Plexus Chakra)
Pink Calcite (love/compassion - Heart Chakra)
Dalmatian Jasper (grounding - Root & Sacral Chakras)
Pyrite (guards against control & manipulation – All Chakras)
Tiger’s Eye (luck & good fortune – Root, Sacral & Solar Plexus Chakras)
Sodalite (self-awareness, communication & intuition – Throat Chakra)
For crystals: http://www.lavenegass.com/shop-synergy
Take this time to really tune into yourself: go inward and begin the healing process if needed. Tap into your personal power, release anchors to the “underworld” and rise like the Phoenix!