Pluto in Aquarius is a generational transit that will completely change humanity and the world as we know it until 2044. Let's dive into what this important planetary shift means. 

Often described as a planet of transformation, Pluto is the ruler of Scorpio and is associated with sex, death, rebirth, power, and the unconscious mind. The dwarf planet seeks to reforge all those it touches, whether through guidance or by destroying outdated foundations in our lives and society. Though it is small, Pluto’s will is fierce. It brings about radical change, whether the collective is ready for it or not.

Pluto in Mythology

Pluto is also the name of the Roman ruler of the underworld, and much like its namesake, was said to hide vast riches within his domain. Pluto promotes the slow, steady accumulation of wealth and power.

Despite the Roman god Pluto being male, the planet rules the feminine Scorpio and is graced by the dark feminine. Dark feminine deities like Hecate are also empowered by that which Pluto represents: internal transformation, alchemy, and destruction.

Pluto, the god, was ruler of the underworld, but neither the god nor the planet is evil. Pluto is associated with loss and transformation, or the necessary strife one must endure to be changed.

Aquarius Meaning in Astrology

Aquarius is associated with innovation, technology, and shameless individuality. It is the final air sign of the zodiac and is represented by the water bearer.

Aquarius is the 11th Zodiac and a fixed air sign. On a personal level, Aquarians are extremely straightforward and firm in their opinions. They are independent and unafraid to do things their way, even when the collective tells them they’re wrong. Ideas and trends that are now common in the collective are ones an Aquarius was likely ridiculed for years ago.

On a collective level, Aquarius rules science, technology, innovation, and the relationships between large groups. The collective can expect a total shift across areas such as the Internet, digital and physical currency, and other innovations that affect its ability to communicate, trade, and relate to one another.

Dive deeper into Pluto in Aquarius on this episode of the Black Moon Lilith Rising podcast

The Impact of Pluto In Aquarius

When a planet moves into a Zodiac sign, it will affect what the sign represents. Pluto in Aquarius will affect innovation, technology, and scientific progress. Pluto, the planet of power and change, will thus bring about a dramatic shift in the collective and our technology, science, and social structures.

Like with anything, the collective will experience growing pains during Pluto’s journey through Aquarius. For any global change to be instituted, that which was must first be torn down.

Around the world, Aquarius’s energy of innovation and societal shifts stir the discourse that will shape the collective’s future. Ideas and regimes that have gripped society since the Industrial Revolution are now being challenged and forced to change or crumble.

Pluto’s Influence on a Personal Level

Pluto will bring about change not only in the collective but also in our individual lives. You may find yourself more willing to question things about yourself you never have before, as well as the strength to defy the things in your life that no longer serve you.

Pluto is associated with the subconscious and the “shadow self”: the parts of you the world does not see. To change as Pluto so desperately desires us to, we must first face these parts of us that we would rather hide away and accept them as a part of who we are.

Pluto also teaches us not to accept that not all things that are dark or macabre are inherently evil. The ruler of the underworld, from whom its name was derived, was not inherently bad or evil, though his job was to deal with the damned or dead. His place was vital to the cycle of life and death, just as Pluto's dark shadow catalyzes the change our lives need.

Historical Look: The Last Time Pluto Was in Aquarius

It takes Pluto approximately 248 years to move through the entire zodiac, and it will take 20 years to move through Aquarius. Pluto last moved through Aquarius from 1777 to 1797, a period largely remembered for the many revolutionary movements that rose or emerged during it.

Though the American Revolutionary War began 2 years earlier in 1775, the Battles of Saratoga took place under Pluto in Aquarius transit in 1777, marking a victory for the American people and winning France to their side. Later, in 1781, the British surrendered, and the United States was officially formed and recognized by France as an independent nation in 1783.

Around the world, developments that were wholly separate from one another laid the foundations for our modern societies: 

• The first volume of The Wealth of Nations was published by Adam Smith, creating the foundation of our economics.
• The Montgolfier brothers launched the first manned flight in a hot-air balloon in 1783, laying the foundation for the Wright brothers’ work much later.
• Edward Jenner developed the first successful smallpox vaccine in 1796.

Also, during this period, people around the world fought for freedom and equality: 

• The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 addressed the weaknesses within the American government.
• Abolitionism and the Abolitionist Movement gained momentum and would eventually free the enslaved people in America due to this momentum.
• The French Revolution began in 1789 when the Bastille was stormed.
• The Haitian Revolution began in 1792 when the enslaved people rebelled against their masters.

Unfortunately, oppression and colonialism were persistent themes during this period as well: 

• Captain James Cook was the first European to reach the Hawaiian Islands, beginning the colonization of Hawaii.
• In 1793, French rebels and citizens were executed by the thousands by their government.
• The cotton gin was patented in 1793 by Eli Whitney, increasing the demand for both space and slave labor—the very same enslaved people many suspect Eli Whitney stole the recipe for the cotton gin from.

What To Expect from Pluto in Aquarius (2023–2044)

During Pluto’s transit in Aquarius, the collective can expect to witness radical societal, political, and even personal changes that will shape the rest of our lives and the lives of those who come after us. The world is rapidly reaching its boiling point–both figuratively and literally–and Pluto has come with Aquarius to give the next push toward a new world.

Just as it was over 2 centuries ago, people across the world have grown tired of the dated foundations of society that hold them back. Information is shared like never before using the Internet, and a new age is on the horizon: Aquarius urges the collective to innovate and learn while Pluto brings about radical change.

How To Align with Pluto in Aquarius

In order to best align your Aquarius energy with Pluto, you must be willing to not only acknowledge the darkest parts of yourself but also embrace them. Aquarius encourages us to innovate, while Pluto brings change: two similar ideas, but only possible if the foundations that are now obsolete are removed.

Beyond looking inward, become more open to influences that seek to shape you. Remain true to yourself and your beliefs, but be willing to alter the way you see the world when those beliefs lead you astray. Be confident but not ignorant.

About the Author

Adama Sesay is a professional astrologer, author of Black Moon Lilith Rising: How to Unlock the Power of the Dark Divine Feminine Through Astrology, and the Black Moon Lilith Cosmic Alchemy Oracle (Hay House Inc). Known for her powerful insights on astrology, shadow work, and spiritual empowerment, Adama blends ancient astrological wisdom with practical guidance to help others rise into their authentic power through her writing, podcasts, audios, and books.