This post continues my series on the Age of Aquarius, an exploration of the potential (good and bad) energy of the next 2,000 years or so, through my own personal lens - which is to say that really, while I attempt an objective narrative of the subject, it is nonetheless coloured by my own experiences, understanding and lens through which I view the world. I am not actually sure any mere mortal could say with certainty what exactly will unfold in this "Brave New World" we are hurtling towards, although there are some far more seasoned astrologers out there with a great deal more knowledge and insight than me. With that disclaimer out of the way now, let's proceed.
The Age of Aquarius, Part 1: The sign The Age of Aquarius, Part 2: Rulership and transits The Age of Aquarius, Part 3: The great reset
It is perhaps fitting to begin by reminding readers that Pluto's entry into the sign it is currently in (Capricorn) in 2008, was marked by turmoil and strife in the very institutions that fall under Capricorn, specifically banking and investment (remember the GFC?!). Pluto is now at the very end of that Capricorn journey, resulting in the recent market convulsions such as the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, since - surprise surprise - the lessons that should have been learned and applied in 2008, were not learned, and certainly not applied; in fact, the proverbial can just got kicked out a bit further by the same kind of corrupt leadership that's been in place for a few decades now - that's for the future to deal with! Well, the future has arrived, and the chickens are coming home to roost, as wise peasants know too well.
I might also add, that after it's initial entry into Aquarius this month, Pluto will retrograde back to Capricorn for a final spell between May and October 2023, so that we can, you know, get the message surrounding Capricorn themes such as fiscal management and large institutions. "Get the message" is a phrase I commonly use when these heavy outer planets make contacts with our own natal planets and retrograde backwards and forwards a couple of times, since, being human and all, we can often deny there's a problem, or mishandle it, or just rationalise something as acceptable when out gut instinct is really telling us otherwise.
But why does it have to be so painful, surely this Pluto dude has had a few years to get over the fact he was demoted in status to a "dwarf planet" back in 2006? Well, if you're not up to speed with your Greek mythology, Pluto is the God of the Underworld, presiding over the souls of those who have died. What do us mere mortals fear more than death itself, be that consciously or unconsciously (at least here in the Western world, that is - many indigenous and eastern cultures have no such hang ups, given their view of life and death is a bit more wholistic, if I may say that).
Astrologically, Pluto stands for deep, huge and necessary transformations, the kind that test people's fortitude and perseverance, will and power, to the absolute maximum. Pluto is all about power, be that personal power, the act of empowerment, but also dis-empowerment. Anyone who has had Pluto transit over a natal chart planet, will know exactly the transformative power it holds, and the price paid to overcome it. A Pluto transit takes you down to depths of self-questioning, fear, darkness and self-knowing like no other planet. Perhaps we can look to common stories surrounding Pluto, such as the abduction of Persephone, to try to understand how potent, fearful and intense such transits are. And if you may be wondering, are there any rewards in all this epic saga, I would like to point out that Pluto also stands for wealth and huge riches, but I should perhaps clarify these are by no means guaranteed, and as the saying goes, "no guts, no glory".
And so we come to Pluto's entry into Aquarius, which officially takes place today, 23 March 2023 (gulp). Already, this is being felt across Aquarian subjects, such as:
science and technology - Artificial Intelligence, in particular is now all the buzz. Those who support this without questioning the full spectrum of its impacts, might be in for some unsavoury realisations as the years pass. Perhaps we may wish to ask ourselves, what value do we wish to place on "artificiality", and why?
also on science and technology - space exploration is no doubt set to continue and expand, though I personally wonder whether songbirds sing sweeter on Mars, or the sunsets bleed deeper. I know I'm a luddite with a penchant for caves, but this one precious world we have been gifted is unmatched in the whole of the Universe in its beauty and wonder, and space exploration - for all its exciting promises - is but a shadow that pales in the light of our Earth's magnificence.
the internet - I can't say whether AI will revolutionise the internet for better or worse, but in any case my two cents are that a shake up of the internet is "on the cards", so to speak.
inventions and original ideas fall under Aquarius, so I would expect significant new breakthroughs in science to take place during this time;
society, humanity and group ideals: there are already many areas where idealism and shared humanitarian concerns are coming into prominence. Of course, idealism needs to grounded and applied within the boundaries of reality, in order for manifestation to take place, otherwise it all remains a dream. Then again, every breakthrough and invention started at some point with an idea, a dream, so there's that.
Perhaps the greatest benefit that stands at the intersection of Aquarian humanitarian values, and technological advances, is the collective consciousness and awareness of our own significance and power here on earth, that has gained prominence with the rise of social media. Is there a more fitting Aquarian-aligned vision than Humans of New York, a Facebook page where incredible stories of ordinary people from all over the world are shared and read by millions? (not to mention its incredible fundraising efforts that have helped so many in poverty or dire circumstances - that is Aquarian indeed).
Or how about Humans Who Grow Food, where people, common people, from Bulgaria to India to Australia to Netherlands to Phillipines and everywhere in between, share their love for looking after gardens, growing good food, and rejoicing in the bounty offered by nature and their hard work? Or how about Robin Greenfield, advocating for conscious behaviour around food waste, local food provenance, the importance of wild spaces in nature, consumer waste, and so on?
The examples are endless: wherever I turn, there are stories of people utterly sick or exhausted of living an inauthentic life, and seeking ways for simpler alternatives that align with their human values.
Of course, you could argue that the word "benefit" in my paragraph above could easily be replaced with "detriment", regarding the changes brought about by the rise of social media and human connection. But before you do that, I urge you to consider whether you believe that we have the power to be co-creators of our world; to shape, through our own thoughts and actions, the directions we collectively take as a humanity; and if you do (and philosophies and oral traditions world-over suggest this to be indeed the case), why would you spend your time giving power to thoughts of destruction, darkness, negativity and fear?
Perhaps that may well be the biggest reward of Pluto's transit in Aquarius: the wealth of knowledge of our own power to shape our individual destiny, and thus the collective destiny of our humanity's journey here on this tiny blue speck of wonder in the universe.