On Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 5:25 AM EST, Pluto in Capricorn reached the exact degree and minute (27 degrees, 33 minutes) of the USA’s natal placement of Pluto - this is the USA’s 1st Pluto Return - Pluto has not been back to this sign, degree and minute since July 4, 1776. This marks a significant astrological event in US history - there may not be anything “major” that occurs precisely on this day, but the few years before and the few years after won’t be easily forgotten in anyone’s minds. We are certainly in a period of major upheaval and massive transformation - socially, politically, economically, spiritually - everything is up for Pluto’s judgment.
In 2022, transiting Pluto will make three passes over 27 degrees and 33 minutes of Capricorn. The first is in February, the 2nd is on July 11th and the 3rd and final will be on December 28th. Technically speaking, the USA's natal Pluto is Retrograde, so in my opinion, the official USA Pluto Return won't be until July 11th when Pluto Rx reaches 27'33" of Capricorn.
July 11, 2022
Pluto Rx in Capricorn reaches the position of the USA's natal Pluto Rx - the "official" USA Pluto Return
On July 4, 1776, Pluto in Capricorn was disposed by Saturn in Libra; because Pluto was in the sign with an affiliation with Saturn, it was motivated by the sign, aspects and dispositor of Saturn for its expression. Saturn in Venus was disposed by Venus in Cancer, who was disposed by the Moon in Aquarius, who was disposed by Uranus in Gemini, who was finally disposed by Mercury in Cancer - which leads us back to Moon -> Uranus -> Mercury.
The chain of action to the USA's natal Pluto in Capricorn:
Pluto -> Saturn -> Venus -> Moon -> Uranus -> Mercury -> Moon -> Uranus -> Mercury (repeat Moon - Uranus - Mercury loop)
(I will be clear: I am not a historian. I thoroughly enjoyed my historical studies in high school, mostly because I had an excellent teacher, but in college, my required history course was the most difficult course I had ever taken and I worked extremely hard for a B-, but I barely remember anything. Though, I have found that by including astrology into my study of history, I am able to assimilate the material much quicker. So, I will be trying my best to convey the astrological dynamics of time periods that I am not an expert of, but I am open to external input and correction.)
The position of Pluto within a nation's chart shows us the nation's power, influence and strength of will. It can show us the nation's style of "Plutonian" activities - like wealth generation, use of natural resources, organized crime, ability to transform, regenerate and heal.
The Cardinal Earth sign of Capricorn is associated with the needs for control, structure, limits, success, goals, discipline, rules, authority, and prestige - anything that brings tangible, concrete results from an organization or institution. The archetype of Capricorn is concerned with making a name for itself and leaving behind a legacy that won't be forgotten - Capricorn is associated with the 10th House, or the Midheaven, of a natural chart because it is the archetype most concerned with external image and public identity. The image we project out into the world has been refined and perfected over time.
Pluto in Capricorn = Powerful control; Influential authority; Legacy of Wealth; Secret Organizations; Corrupt Rules; Corrupt Legacy; Success that comes from Destruction; Impenetrable Structures; the G.O.A.T. healer/transformer/witch doctor; Undermining Conventions; Secu
Though, what I am finding so interesting about this first pass over the USA's Pluto degree is that it occurred at the same time as the USA's Neptune Opposition. The USA's natal Neptune is at 22 degrees 25 minutes of Virgo, and during the first pass, Neptune in Pisces was at 22 degrees 5 minutes. The exact opposition won't be until March 1, 2022 - this is the 3rd and final opposition...transiting Neptune opposed the USA's natal Neptune once in May 2021 and again (while Retrograde) in August 2021.