Uranus grabs the headlines this week and next—it’s changing Signs on May 15, ending a seven-year cycle through Aries and beginning a new seven-year cycle through Taurus, a cycle that’s bound to wobble the world even more than it’s already wobbling. It won’t help to fasten your seatbelt—which is probably already as tight as can be. You just might need to hang on tight to whatever keeps your feet on the ground.
But because Uranus symbolizes surprises, there are certain to be more than a few startling plot twists, especially during the coming weeks and months as this new phase gains momentum. And while it would be nice to think that the great Uranian surprise would be a return to normal—or what we once thought was normal—that isn’t likely. What is likely is a constant need to adjust to this new astral frequency, a need that is guaranteed to be wearying for most, if not all, of us. Uranus represents the nervous system, which makes one of the side effects of our adjustment phase akin to a psychic ‘rewiring’. And because Taurus symbolizes the body, that rewiring is not just an intellectual process—many of us could experience a deep physical response to this new phase.
Uranus signifies invention, innovation and change. It’s spontaneous and unpredictable, and its active presence always signals shifts because it catalyzes stagnation—the status quo isn’t safe from Uranian lightning bolts aimed at illuminating what’s no longer vital. The Uranus Effect often manifests as dramatic events, and while I wouldn’t call Uranus a ‘drama queen’, I would be prepared for even the most reliable and steady among us to be more than a little reactive. These days, every time I think about Uranus I hear David Bowie singing Ch…Ch…Ch…Ch…Changes.
Uranus also represents revolution, or as Hexagram 49 describes revolution in the I-Ching, the Chinese Book of Changes: “Times change, and with them their demands. Thus the seasons change in the course of the year. In the world cycle also there are spring and autumn in the lives of peoples and nations, and these call for social transformations.” Uranus signifies cultural and collective trends, so when Uranus enters a new Sign, we often experience disruption as we transition into a new astral season.
Uranus’ transit through Taurus lasts until July 7, 2025, but before that, Uranus will retrograde back into Aries on November 6, 2018—Election Day in the United States of America. It will return to Taurus on March 6, 2019.
Taurus symbolizes form—the tangible shape and appearance of everything, which includes the Earth and everything it gives birth to. All you need do is plant seeds in your garden during the lusty month of May, the time of Taurus, and as those seeds grow, you’ll witness the incredible creative potential of the Earth. Taurus also represents resources—it’s money and all the other ways of measuring value (with the exception of real estate). In esoteric astrology, Taurus represents the body, created and inhabited by spirit, which is ultimately the greatest resource of all.
Although we’re expecting the unexpected, one of the things we can count on during Uranus’ transit through Taurus is a financial revolution. We already know there’s a huge problem with wealth inequality, and as Uranus catalyzes that issue, we’re certain to see innovative and inventive solutions—and I’m not talking about cryptocurrencies. Of course, the stock markets may reflect Uranus’ erratic pulse and banking institutions may finally have to pay the piper—as so many people are predicting. And while those predictions may be true, because Taurus represents the infinite potential of spirit to manifest in physical reality, Uranus is sure to inspire financial innovation that we haven’t seen before. For example, neighborhoods uniting around shared resources, with people forming their own credit unions, taking money out of global institutions and investing it locally, where it can do the most good, short-term and long-term. It’s also likely that food cooperatives will gain greater stature as we move into a revolutionary (for most of us) approach to the Earth and her abundance.
From both a personal and collective perspective, Uranus, in Taurus, could engender a new relationship to the body—fashion trends notwithstanding—and that new relationship could include a different understanding of the body’s needs, especially nervous systems, young and old. We know so much more about how the human nervous system forms, gets hardwired into negative patterns, and what it needs to be able to relax into a positive state of being. With Uranus guiding the way, the next seven years could see that knowledge being applied in a deeper and more grounded way, changing lives, especially the lives of children. The transit of Uranus through Taurus could also lend deeper and much-needed insight into the nervous system of Planet Earth and what she needs to survive our many abuses to her body.
Even if I were to advise against spending too much time trying to figure out what kind of revolution Uranus is likely to provoke in your life, my admonition would fall on deaf ears—we’re all looking for any answers we can find. So spend some time honestly assessing what’s stagnant in your life: Is it a relationship, career, friendship, creative endeavor, attitude, or just a general malaise about the state of the state? Then think about how you might revolutionize your point of view. Are you holding onto a specific position because it’s meaningful? Or are you holding on out of habit? Whatever it might be, Uranus has the potential to set you free, especially if you’re willing to bring awareness to the ties that bind. As always, try to keep in mind that we are all going through this transition together—everyone everywhere is having the Uranus Effect somewhere in their lives—which translates into an even more intense need to treat each other with respect and tenderness.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Yes, you can breathe a sigh of relief that Uranus is no longer stirring the waters of an identity crisis. But now Uranus is moving into your Solar House of value—which means m-o-n-e-y issues are likely to dominate the next several months. Be aware that this could just as easily mean an increase as it could a decrease. But also consider that you’re on a seven-year journey to establish a greater appreciation and experience of spirit as your primary and lasting resource.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Uranus is in your Sign, transiting your Solar House of personality for the next seven years. Get ready to be in a semi-permanent identity crisis—but don’t worry; this is an adventure and it could be a lot of fun, especially if you’re willing to try something different. Whether it’s a new hair style, color and cut, wardrobe makeover, or simply the way you present yourself to the world, you’re definitely ready for the change—and you won’t be disappointed!
Gemini May 21-June 21
Uranus moves into your Solar House of the unconscious, stimulating dreams, visions, new meditation techniques, and other internal activities and practices. And yes…that’s right… you could encounter depression and anxiety as part of the process, but just as easily, deep flights of creative imagination. Whatever way Uranus manifests, you’re getting to know your internal universe from a new perspective, so be proactive—go to therapy, start reading and get growing.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Uranus enters your Solar House of community, catalyzing a revolutionary phase that’s all about whether or not you want to share your gifts with the world—and if you do, how you envision that process. This is not as simple as it sounds, if only because you enjoy your privacy, so contemplate how you could find and maintain a balance between your private and public worlds. The more in touch you are with what you need, the easier it will be to maintain your equilibrium.
Leo July 23-August 22
On your mark, get set, and get going! Uranus is moving into your Solar House of recognition, which usually translates into career shifts, some anticipated and others…not so much. The key to skillfully navigating this phase is a flexible attitude that is open and willing to try something new, even if it is out of your comfort zone. Set an intention that you will pay attention to the many moods of this transit, and you’ll emerge with a vital, creative attitude toward success.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Uranus transits your Solar House of existential search, sending you on a seven-year journey that is both physical and metaphysical. This might manifest as a need to travel the world to explore what others believe. Or you might find yourself studying a wide range of spiritual ideas with the goal of finding that one kernel of truth that’s out there—somewhere—that can help you revolutionize your personal belief system.
Libra September 23-October 22
Yes…Uranus is out of your Solar House of relationship and you can finally exhale and focus on something new! The glitch is that Uranus now moves into your Solar House of personal transformation, which means you’re on a journey of integrating what you’ve just learned about your relationship with yourself, which translates into even more shifts. But before you lose your mind, acknowledge that you’ve acquired great skill at soul growth and actually enjoy the process.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Uranus moves into your Solar House of relationship, catalyzing all sorts of partnership issues with significant others, family, friends, co-workers, and everyone else you interact with. And if that isn’t enough, it’s also stimulating a revolution in how you relate to yourself. I know you like privacy and you may have concerns about this Uranian process being too visible—don’t worry; Uranus isn’t interested in revealing you; it’s all about increasing your self-awareness.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
As Uranus enters your Solar House of health you might find yourself paying more attention to nutrition and exercise patterns. Remember, Uranus means revolution, so any stagnant self-care habits won’t stand the pressure. The good news is that Uranus provides the energy to shift out of those patterns and into a new vital approach. Don’t be surprised if improving your personal habits inspires you to help others do the same.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Uranus is moving into your Solar House of creativity and self-expression, which means you are on a seven-year journey of learning how to be all you, all the time. I know that might sound daunting to someone with such a natural reserve and reticence to be spontaneous, but there’s nothing that can be done. It’s simply a matter of enjoying the ride and allowing yourself to grow. Embrace this process, be curious about the outcome, and most of all, have fun.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Uranus catalyzes change at the bottom of your psychic pond, in the deep of your Solar House of the home, where the imprints from childhood are stored and where we create safety and security. Although this process may be uncomfortable, there’s every reason to trust that it’s worthwhile. You don’t have to tackle everything at once, you can take your time, and if you need help working through something, don’t hesitate to consult a good therapist.
Pisces February 19-March 20
It is all about the conversation as Uranus moves into your Solar House of communication, catalyzing all sorts of discussions about all sorts of subjects. Be prepared for blurts—mostly yours—as you feel the spontaneous urge to just say what’s on your mind, but also be prepared for others to meet you with equal intensity and candor. Let Uranus teach you to listen to yourself and others with increased awareness so you grow with every word.
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