Pluto has been in retrograde since May (which may have prompted you to focus on shadow work and embracing or healing aspects of yourself that felt shunned or a bit broken) but on October 13, it turns direct in the sign of Aquarius.
What does this mean for you? Firstly, whatever inner work you’ve been doing is now ready to be turned into tangible actions and steps. Real-world changes are afoot!
These changes might combine with areas like community, technology, innovation, and social structures – maybe joining new social groups, redressing fractured relationships, upgrading your tech, inventing or improving something, tackling an unfair power dynamic in your community.
The most heavily impacted signs will be the Fixed signs: Aquarius, Leo, Taurus, and Scorpio. For these four, this transit might provoke even deeper changes with longer lasting impacts.
Let’s turn to the tarot cards to understand what your retrograde shadow work revealed and what you’re ready to put into action between now and May 2026.
Looking for deeper insight? Join my tarot club free for a whole month and unlock your spiritual awakening…
Aries
March 21 to April 20
Tarot cards for Aries for Pluto in Aquarius: Five of Wands, Ace of Coins
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Five of Wands. You’ve felt stirred up, rattled, annoyed and irritated by other people. And the real insight here has been that what has most annoyed you, honestly, is something that you recognise you might be guilty of doing yourself! Shadow work is often a mirror.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the Ace of Coins. Turning a new leaf, changing your habits or behaviours for the better, making the right pathway the default option, the easy option, the path of least resistance vs a struggle.
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries
Taurus
April 21 to May 21
Tarot cards for Taurus for Pluto in Aquarius: Ten of Wands, Six of Swords
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Ten of Wands. Fatigue and even exhaustion have been present for you physically and mentally, and you realise you need to let yourself rest – deeply rest, way more. You must shift your schedule and commitments.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the Six of Swords. Letting things go! There are lots of commitments, chores, situationships, tangles, roles, and habits you undertake that are outdated, belonging to a past era, or just not right for you. Drop them all. Make this season all about purging. Streamline your life.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus
Gemini
May 22 to June 21
Tarot cards for Gemini for Pluto in Aquarius: Five of Coins, Ten of Coins
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Five of Coins. You have faced a lot of loss and grief this last few years. You have laid many ghosts to rest and your shadow self secretly mourns (as you always present a ‘sorted’, happy face to the outside world, but it’s different underneath and deep down).
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the Ten of Coins. You are rebuilding, laying down new foundations with people, places and activities that you know you can rely on and are worthy of your amazing energy and passion. All of the dead wood has gone, you can trust in what remains.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini
Cancer
June 22 to July 23
Tarot cards for Cancer for Pluto in Aquarius: Eight of Cups, King of Coins
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Eight of Cups. You’ve been coming around to the fact that something you had high hopes pinned on has not panned out – you’ve tried your best, pretended, deflected, and invested… and now it’s time to admit what your shadow self knew weeks ago.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the King of Coins. Taking practical, self-protective, and sensible steps to put things straight and activate a different project, role or relationship to invest your very precious time and energy into. You want results. No more time wasters.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer
Leo
July 24 to August 23
Tarot cards for Leo for Pluto in Aquarius: Justice, Two of Cups
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Justice card. You have been treated poorly and unfairly and this has been a very bitter pill to swallow because you haven’t been able to change the situation… you’ve had to change your mindset instead.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the Two of Cups. You know your deal breakers and red flags now, you will never ever get into this situation again, and you feel optimistic about being free at last and ready to create beautiful, wholesome, healthy new relationships and friendships. The best all lies ahead.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo
Virgo
August 24 to September 23
Tarot cards for Virgo for Pluto in Aquarius: Six of Coins, Nine of Cups
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Six of Coins. Something has been all give and no take, unbalanced and unfair. You help and support other folk so very much and you don’t always receive what you deserve. Don’t accept this, you won’t accept this, it’s time to speak up.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the Nine of Cups. You are going to be the change you wish to see and manifest a different dynamic and relationship reality. Aim for what you want. Shift your input and behaviour and mood accordingly, act like that vision is real and already happening… and they will fall in line.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Tarot cards for Libra for Pluto in Aquarius: Six of Cups, Seven of Coins
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Six of Cups. You’ve been ruminating on the past, specifically people, places, roles or activities you’ve loved and lost. A grief has swept through you for what once was… but maybe some of it can be rekindled, it’s not too late.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the Seven of Coins. Tentative steps to test out what might still be there for repair or reunion from the list of past loves you still wish were present in your realm. You can make changes here, it might take a little time, but it can happen. Go carefully and slowly.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra
Scorpio
October 24 to November 22
Tarot cards for Scorpio for Pluto in Aquarius: Knight of Wands, Queen of Coins
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Knight of Wands. A recklessness and carelessness has infiltrated your mood and activity. You have felt bored and in need of adventure, your inner demon has been demanding more fun and danger! You do have a strong shadow side, and it does need attention.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the Queen of Coins. You want to let your shadow self’s thirst for thrills and danger be met in practical, reasonable ways – hobbies or outings or adventure-style events that unleash that inner you craving a scare or challenge. Push yourself, scratch that itch.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio
Sagittarius
November 23 to December 21
Tarot cards for Sagittarius for Pluto in Aquarius: Nine of Swords, Seven of Cups
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Nine of Swords. You have been worrying, a lot, which isn’t like you. Unspoken anxieties and dreads have gotten darker and heavier in secret, and it’s time to express yourself, say this all out loud, and release the tension.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the Seven of Cups. You are going to regain control of your mind! Express the dread, get it out, and deal with whatever aspects of it require practical attention. Start to use affirmation, meditation, and mantra to help quell this inner critic or judge from gaining such power again.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius
Capricorn
December 22 to January 21
Tarot cards for Capricorn for Pluto in Aquarius: The Emperor, The Hanged Man
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by The Emperor. Control issues. Demands or pressure to take charge which mount up to being unreasonable and unworkable. This might be you doing it, or someone else doing it to you. Either way, it’s not sustainable and you can’t go on like this.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by The Hanged Man. This stalemate and deadlock will pass. A totally innovative and fresh approach is needed, a new idea and way of sharing responsibility and activity without overstepping each others’ zones! Think outside of the box, talk openly, come to a new way of doing things.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn
Aquarius
January 22 to February 19
Tarot cards for Aquarius for Pluto in Aquarius: The Hermit, Knight of Swords
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by The Hermit. You have actively and positively been engaging with your hidden side, your unspoken desires and negative traits or flaws… embracing yourself wholly and understanding your needs fully. You feel more self aware than ever, and ready to put insight into action.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the Knight of Swords. You feel you need to stick up for yourself and your needs more proactively and loudly! You are truthful and transparent, so be honest with folk who’ve taken advantage and change the dynamic. Put yourself first more from now on.
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius
Pisces
February 20 to March 20
Tarot cards for Pisces for Pluto in Aquarius: Ace of Wands, King of Cups
Meaning: Your retrograde shadow work these past few months is revealed by the Ace of Wands. You want to try something new, explore your horizons, stretch and push beyond the safe and known zones. You have felt wanderlust and curiosity about what might be possible if you did things differently.
The action you’re ready to take now, as a result, is represented by the King of Cups. You are going to make emotionally intelligent moves. Serving your heart’s desires and true passions more fully and openly. You don’t owe others an explanation, you are the only person who decides what’s right for you. Be more strong and overt about that than ever before.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.