The planet Pluto has been moving through the sign of Capricorn since 2008, and upon ingress, many of our beliefs, values, and institutional systems shifted quite drastically. Financial crises rocked global markets; snow and ice were discovered on planet Mars; the U.S. elected its first African-American president, and I walked away from full-time employment without having any job prospects in place. These major events left many people filled with anxiety, and vulnerable. Change reared its head as most of us grappled to maintain the status quo. In hindsight, we – our world, in many ways – transformed for the better due to faltering foundations. But not before we released our need for control, and surrendered to the unfolding.
The concept of “non-attachment” is mentioned in most spiritual and religious texts. Christianity teaches that we mustn’t be ruled by our possessions. Buddhist texts refer to it as a “renunciation.” Islam preaches that we rely on Allah for contentedness, not “things,” while detachment from the material world is strongly emphasized in the Baha’i tradition. Even without a faith based code, I am sure we all can recall a situation that found resolution once we let go of our attachment to certain conditions. The transit of Pluto through Capricorn is not only testing the durability of our foundations, but also deepening our awareness of false securities that inadvertently limit and restrict us. It is no longer “safe” to fully put our trust in what has been or what once was. Times are changing, and so must we.
The Sun will join Pluto in the sign of Capricorn this week, where Mercury is currently retrograde. This coincides with the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year. There is a reason why this seasonal shift can be sobering. The dark night compels us to go deep in reflection and contemplation. It is a space that leaves us on the edge of what’s next, quiet in our discomfort, removed from the comfort of all that is light. The richness discovered in this cold damp place has the potential to further our Soul’s journey should we allow it. Our success on this earth plane does not depend on external circumstances. Who we are and what we have is enough - that is where we are most secure, and that is our strongest foundation. As we dig for light and clarity over the coming weeks, we can break new ground. All it takes is a heartfelt intention to simply grow and evolve.
Check your horoscopes to see what’s in store this week ahead, and don’t forget to read for your ascendant sign too.