When It Feels Too Much
As Pluto shifts into Aquarius, each generation is called to navigate its own path through the turbulence, seeking balance, meaning and transformation in an ever-changing world
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This morning, after dropping Amelie and George off at school, I made the mistake of turning the radio on. The news—or some version of it—blared through the car and in an instant, my energy shifted. So much noise. So much misery. So much conflict. Has it always been this way, or are we simply more aware of it now? As I drove home, the weight of it all pressed down on me as I wondered how we as a global collective, find our way through this.
Astrologically, there’s a cosmic mirror for these feelings. Pluto, the planet of profound transformation, is in a pivotal transition, dancing between Capricorn and Aquarius. Pluto is the slowest-moving planet in our solar system and its shifts mark the end of one era and the beginning of another. Since 2008, Pluto in Capricorn has been about structures, authority and control. We’ve witnessed the crumbling of old systems, the breakdown of established norms and a deep re-evaluation of power. As Pluto moves into Aquarius next month, we’re entering a 20-year cycle that will push us to rethink everything—how we connect, live, engage with technology and ultimately, how we find our place in a rapidly changing world.
How we navigate these collective transformations depends largely on the Pluto generation we belong to. Each generation carries a unique astrological imprint, a deep, often unconscious drive that shapes how we respond to upheaval.
I’m part of the Pluto in Libra generation (1971–1984). We were born into a world seeking balance, although balance, as we’ve come to learn, is elusive. Libra’s energy is one of harmony, but in moments like these, when the outer world feels so loud and chaotic, we instinctively try to restore equilibrium. It’s in our nature. Yet sometimes, restoring balance feels impossible when the scales are so heavily tipped. How do we find peace when there is so much noise?
For those born with Pluto in Cancer (1912–1939), the journey has been about survival. This generation grew up in times of war, economic depression and profound insecurity. They sought safety in family and home, in the familiar and the known. Their task has always been to create a sense of security in an insecure world.
Pluto in Leo (1939–1957) carries a different story. This generation strives for personal recognition. They have an almost heroic need to stand out, to shine, to leave a lasting legacy. But the pressure to be seen and remembered can feel isolating, especially when the world feels overwhelming. When darkness closes in, they might question whether their light is bright enough to break through.
Pluto in Virgo (1957–1972) is practical, analytical and deeply attuned to the need for order. They’ve spent their lives trying to bring structure to chaos, to serve and heal, to make things better. But their greatest fear? That no matter how much they do, it will never be enough. The problems are too big, too many, too complex to ever be fully solved.
And here we are, seemingly balancing on the tightrope between chaos and calm. As Pluto moves fully into Aquarius next month, the energy will shift for all of us. Aquarius is the sign of the future—the visionary, the rebel, the one who seeks freedom and innovation. For those born with Pluto in Scorpio (1984–1995), this new cycle resonates deeply. Pluto in Scorpio is no stranger to intensity; they’ve grown up in a world dominated by power dynamics, secrecy and control. As Pluto moves into Aquarius, this generation is being called to release those patterns and embrace the transformation of the collective.
Pluto in Sagittarius (1995–2008), on the other hand, has grown up with big ideas and expansive possibilities. They seek meaning, purpose, and adventure. But in times of crisis, they often face disillusionment—what if the world isn’t as limitless as they imagined? As Pluto shifts, they’re being asked to reconcile their grand visions with the realities of a world that sometimes feels fragmented.
But for those of us with Pluto in Libra, our challenge is more subtle. It’s not about survival, recognition, or even fixing things—it’s about finding harmony in a world that often feels deeply out of balance. We long for fairness, justice and relationships that reflect equality and respect. Yet, when life becomes overwhelming, we can feel thrown off course, unsure how to find that elusive peace. How do we stay connected to our relationships and values when the external world is pulling us in so many directions?
For us, the answer might lie in knowing when to switch off. When to step back from the noise, the endless demands of life, and simply be.
Balance isn’t a static state—it’s a dance. It’s a constant movement between extremes, an ongoing adjustment. And sometimes, the most important act of balance is knowing when to pause, when to reflect and when to breathe. We may not always be able to control the outer world, but we can control how we engage with it.
Perhaps this is Pluto in Aquarius’s lesson for us all. In a world that’s constantly in flux, how do we navigate the changes without losing ourselves? Maybe the greatest wisdom lies in knowing when to let go, when to embrace uncertainty, and when to find our center amidst the chaos.
Because at the heart of all these generational stories is a simple truth: we are all navigating the same world, but we are doing it in different ways, shaped by different times, different experiences, and different journeys.