What Mars Square Pluto Retrograde Means for Your Zodiac Sign

Can you feel the pressure building? It’s only the beginning.

On Sept. 24, Mars will go head-to-head with Pluto retrograde, supercharging the atmosphere with tension, rebellion and transformation.

To say the air is thick would be an understatement. After all, it’s not every day these two planets — symbolic of our raw passions and deepest collective shadows — come together to form a challenging square.

In smoldering Scorpio, Mars is sharp, strategic and relentless in its pursuits.

The red planet is often audacious and rambunctious while journeying through the rest of the zodiac, but this Mars transit is quite the opposite — it’s covert, vengeful and unwavering in its determination.

In this Fixed sign, Mars’ sorcery is much like a surgeon or a chemist, cutting deep to unveil what’s lingering beneath the surface.

Pluto retrograde, on the other hand, is a system destroyer. Digging up corruption and decay wherever it hides, Pluto in Aquarius’ target is the collective, namely governments, technologies, networks and social movements that claim to liberate us, but are actually controlling us.

Still, while retrograde, there’s a layer of reckoning, as Pluto forces us to revisit and look back at the structures we’ve built around our goals, dreams and social lives, and whether or not they’re actually serving us.

When Mars in Scorpio clashes with Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, the tension is just as personal as it is social, specifically regarding the cultural climate.

Whether it’s a power struggle in a friendship or a debate within a group setting, this square is exposing the areas of our lives where we’ve been complicit or have chosen to remain silent, perhaps in hopes of maintaining a sense of belonging.

It’s time to break the chains.

Read on for what Mars square Pluto retrograde means for your zodiac sign.

Aries (March 20-April 19)

It’s time to cut ties with what isn’t serving you, and invest in connections that are genuine and authentic to you, Aries. Under this tumultuous synergy, power dynamics could shake things up in your friendships, communities or social networks. You may realize that a friend isn’t as supportive as you thought, or a group you’re a part of is no longer in support of your values.

Taurus (April 19-May 20)

Don’t apologize for prioritizing yourself, Taurus. Your commitment to a professional path, or a superior you hold in high regard, is under the spotlight of this challenging transit. Maybe a significant other wants more quality time just as your work becomes more demanding. There is undeniable tension between your relationships and sense of authority. Boundaries are necessary, so decide where your energy and time are of most value. 

Gemini (May 20-June 20)

Your approach to time management is setting the tone for the future, Gemini. You could be experiencing tension between your daily routines and the bigger visions you’re working toward. Perhaps a boss adds on more tasks that clash with your travel schedule, or a community endeavor starts to feel one-sided. This is a call to speak up about what you’re willing (or unwilling) to do.

Cancer (June 20-July 22)

Don’t let guilt influence your decision-making — your voice matters, Cancer. Under this heavy transit, your finances and intimate unions are touchy topics. Communicate clearly, even if you and a significant other aren’t agreeing on what’s fair, or if an investment feels like more than you bargained for. You could be asked for more than you’re willing to give, so make sure you’re being honest with yourself.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22)

Your friendships and commitments could feel like they’re on shaky ground, Leo. Maybe a significant other wants more of your time and energy while you’re busy leading a project, or someone wants more loyalty from you than they’ve actually earned. How much you give versus how much you receive in return is top of mind, and it’s OK to take a step back from those who use care as a form of control. 

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sept. 22)

Your social life could be more demanding than usual these days, Virgo. Maybe your colleagues keep switching things up, leaving you with more responsibilities. Or volunteering to help someone takes up more of your time than you actually have. Your energy is sacred and you’re being called to reclaim and rework your schedule accordingly. Not everyone is worthy of your time and effort.

Libra (Sept. 22-Oct. 22)

You’re craving fun and creative expression, but the community of individuals surrounding you could complicate it, Libra. Maybe you sense a close friend quietly judging your dating life, or a community project demands more of your time than you’d like. The key is to stand firm in your choice, as you don’t need a crowd’s approval to enjoy yourself.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21)

Protect your privacy, Scorpio. Whether personally or professionally, obligations could feel like you’re being pulled in opposite directions. Maybe a prominent parent has strong expectations or your colleagues need you to show up at an important meeting. You can’t be everywhere at once, so find and commit to what keeps you grounded. You have Mars on your side.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

Someone in your immediate environment is stirring the pot, and you know it, Sagittarius. Whether it be a sibling or a close friend, challenging your views could easily result in an intense argument. There’s no reason to shy away from speaking your truth, but it’s important to be mindful of where your words land. Remember, everything you say sets the tone for how the conversation will unfold.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)

Don’t let anyone guilt you into overextending yourself, Capricorn. Your community and social life could challenge your values or the budget you’ve set in place, but you’re encouraged to stand firm in your truth. Someone may expect more than you’re able to give, while others of you reconsider what is of value in your friendship groups. Either way, your worth isn’t up for debate.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18)

Gather your thoughts, and don’t lose sight of your goals, Aquarius. It’s no secret that Pluto has been shaking things up in your sign, but this transit is especially personal. While restructuring your identity and role within a community, you have Mars fueling the fire in your professional life. Maybe you feel judged by your peers or the role you’re stepping into. On another note, a community could expect you to stay the same when you’re ready to evolve and move on. The growing pains are real, but you’re redefining what leadership looks like on your own terms.

Pisces (Feb. 18-March 20)

What’s going on in your personal life, Pisces? Things could feel like they’re weighing you down behind the scenes, whether because a workplace dynamic feels shady or a community you’ve been part of is no longer in alignment with your value systems. You’re not being paranoid — you’re actually noticing what isn’t being said. Protect your energy and your space. Also, walking away quietly can be a powerful move, too.