Explore the Dark Side

Pluto in Retrograde
Time to explore the dark side
by Cortney Litwin

How deep would you be willing to go to be empowered? That will be the question posed by Pluto when the planet of power and transformation turns retrograde on April 4, 2009 for five months. Pluto rules the psyche, while retrograde motions turn us inward.

So exploring the depths of your inner world as a path to self-empowerment will be the focus during retrograde Pluto. Plutonian transformations are seldom easy. Pluto touches us where we're most vulnerable and can shake the very foundation on which we're standing. We'll take a look at how retrograde Pluto may affect you as well as its influence on a global scale.

Explore your dark side
Pluto is the ultimate healer because it exposes the dark places that keep you from being all you can be. The really nasty stuff, like hatred, jealousy, dominance, revenge and subterfuge are manifestations of the negative side of Pluto. These behaviors are a quest for power by people who feel powerless. Even if you aren't struggling with such debilitating emotions, you probably have other quirks that keep you feeling less than powerful. Such issues may be family patterns that no longer serve you, low self-esteem that holds you back, problematic relationship patterns, inner blocks to manifesting prosperity, or the belief that life's a struggle and will always be a struggle no matter how hard you work. Whatever you're dealing with, retrograde Pluto will likely bring out some of your inner demons so you can eliminate them, which is a necessary step toward empowerment.

Global changes
Pluto has caused some seismic shifts in the outer world as well. Because it's transiting through Capricorn, the sign of business, government, policy and oversight, Pluto is rooting out obsolete business practices, such as rewarding CEOs of failed companies millions of dollars in bonuses. Governments are also in the midst of some astounding policy changes. Pluto rules shared resources, so the bailouts of United States companies that is costing billions of dollars, and the exposure of overleveraged financial markets, are the result of Pluto in Capricorn. Additionally, the Capricorn influence is responsible for increased oversight and accountability to the public. The demolition of outmoded policies that is occurring now will intensify throughout the summer because of Pluto being retrograde.

The healing process
The best way to handle Pluto energy is to take a clear-headed assessment of your life, accept your imperfections and make a commitment to yourself to change what isn't working. If you've been putting off seeing a doctor, it's time to make that appointment and take care of your health. If you've been suppressing some anger with your spouse, it's time to have a heart-to-heart talk to resolve the problem. If you're stuck in a dead-end job (or have just gotten laid off), it's time to reassess your talents and values and focus on manifesting a job that aligns with your true destiny.

Such practices as meditation, therapy, journaling and taking some quiet time each day for introspection, can help you on your path to empowerment. So during retrograde Pluto (and beyond), let's work together to heal ourselves - and the planet.

Coach Sherrie says: Even if you don't believe in Astrology, exploring your dark side is important. It allows you to accept ALL of you. We all need to accept every aspect of ourselves and realize that even our shadow self has a purpose. Without it, we would have no great art!