Pluto retrograde 2022: everything you need to know

pluto retrograde 2022 feature a black sky with photos of pluto and a woman on the mountains at the center

(Image credit: Future)

published 9 September 2022

Pluto retrograde 2022 is nearing its end, but that doesn’t mean the planet's significance should be overlooked.

While other astrology events might be hogging the spotlight—we’re not saying Mercury retrograde, but Mercury retrograde—Pluto is still as relevant as its cosmic counterparts, even if it seems ominous.

"It's quite a beautiful energy, even though there is darkness to it," says astrologer Noush (opens in new tab). “But without darkness, we wouldn't have light, without some form of challenge, we wouldn't have that feeling of growth or transformation."

Yes, we’ll be forced to dig a bit deeper than usual thanks to Pluto’s influence, and things may feel uncomfortable for a bit, but it’s all for our betterment. Here's what you can expect going forward with the planet stationed in retrograde.

Meet the expert: Noush

An astrologer, creative and crystal enthusiast, Noush believes in the combination of energy healing and practical spirituality to bring meaning into our lives. You can learn more about your cosmic blueprint during an astrology reading with her (opens in new tab) or shop through an incredible collection of healing crystals @jooncrystals (opens in new tab).

Pluto retrograde 2022: the basics

When: April 29 to October 28, 2022

"Pluto retrograde is an interesting one because it does go retrograde for almost half of the year, every year," Noush says. “We experience quite a lot of this energy, so it's not something we're unfamiliar with. It's an energy that moves so slowly through the sky.”

In 2022, it'll be moving through three degree points in Capricorn. During this transit, it is important to revisit significant moments in your life from March to June 2021, as the planet is going back through the degree points of that timeframe.

"It's bringing something to light from your psyche or intuition that maybe was not felt at that time. It's about going through these deeper moments of understanding and uncovering it to gain a richer feeling of empowerment," Noush adds.

Pluto. Illustration incorporating NASA New Horizons terrain imagery.

The effects of Pluto

If the Pluto return 2022 was any indication, news around this planet—or dwarf planet for the astronomers among us—can seem a bit dark. But its arrival is not for naught.

"Pluto is a force that dives into the hidden caves of your soul. It's a powerful energy that wants you to face your fears and what you've been resisting," Noush insists. "There's something really beautiful and helpful about Pluto that makes it one of the planets that can really guide your soul towards the most beautiful evolution and truth."

You'll be ready to tackle what Pluto sends your way, and the good thing is that it will help in the long run, even if you question its intentions momentarily.

"It's ready to uncover the depths of what's going on beneath the surface to step into power, strength, reliance and to step into that magical intuitive connection to the balance between dark and light."

Who will most be affected by Pluto retrograde?

Since Pluto will be making its way through Capricorn, the cardinal signs—Capricorn, Aries, Libra and Cancer—might feel its presence a bit more. Additionally, earth signs—Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus—might get a better taste of Pluto's backward spin.

"The retrograde will be trining those signs, so you might feel this in a positive way," Noush adds. (A trine is formed when planets are in signs of the same element, FYI.) "It's something that you can feel as a challenge, but it's a challenge that you might be more ready for."

If you're ever curious about what planet is in retrograde and how it will affect your birth chart, do be sure to follow along with our expert astrologers and their tips for dealing with the universe's maneuvers. And like Pluto retrograde, the year itself is coming to an end, so review your 2022 horoscope to wrap things up on a high note!

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Danielle is a writer for woman&home and My Imperfect Life, covering all-things news, lifestyle and entertainment.

The heart of her time at Future has been devoted to My Imperfect Life, where she's been attuned to the cosmos, new TV shows and relationship trends.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids and a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, amNewYork and Newsday, among other outlets.

When Danielle is not working, you can usually find her reading a book, coffee at hand, or attempting a new recipe. (Recommendations always welcome!)