Give yourself as much time and space as you need this week…next week…and yes, for as many weeks as you desire. Uranus is ending its journey through Aries and beginning its journey through Taurus on May 15, and the shift in astral emphasis is going to take some getting used to. And because transitions are seldom smooth, it might be wise to anticipate that some of the more difficult, yet necessary, adjustments will require time. Of course, what most of us are wondering is how Uranus, in Taurus, will manifest and what it will mean individually as well as collectively. But because Uranus symbolizes surprise, spontaneity and unpredictability, there’s just no telling, and trying to pinpoint its presence through a specific event feels like chasing the wind.
What can be identified is Taurus’ relationship to values—beyond money and other financial resources and assets, Taurus symbolizes what matters most, including individual and societal value systems. This is one of the reasons we also assign beauty to Taurus. Its ruling planet is Venus, the embodiment of beauty, and when we deem something beautiful, it’s because it expresses our values. Recently, Dan Rather (who was probably not thinking about astrology or Uranus entering Taurus) wrote that in times of trouble, he craves the deeper truths that art expresses. “It is the genius of artistic expression that conveys understanding within an economy of time or space.” He ended his essay by quoting Keats: “Beauty is truth, truth beauty.” Rather’s words helped me recognize just how deeply our current chaos is a fundamental crisis of values. I know this isn’t new news—that’s not my point—but framing Uranus, in Taurus, through this lens afforded me a clearer picture of our already wobbling Earth and what we may expect.
Ever since Mr. Trump was elected, I’ve railed against him, his Gang of Hungry Ghosts and their egregious agenda. They are not guided by the values we assume to go hand-in-hand with the Oval Office as well as the responsibility to govern well. This gang of criminals do not value life in its infinite expressions, and their greed, cruelty, crassness, ruthlessness, and hubris (Did I leave anything out?) demonstrate their utter disregard for others. Their only enduring value is M-O-R-E.
It’s been confusing and confounding to watch his supporters support him even though their identification with him is harmful—to themselves. Who are the women who support pussy-grabbing and don’t see it as sexual assault? Or the Christians who apparently approve of his adultery? Or the followers who thrive on speaking without thinking and who hold lies, lies, and more lies as better choices than actually acknowledging the truth and honoring the facts? What do they value? (And why isn’t Oprah back on TV helping us make sense of it all? I can only assume she is hiding out with Gandalf—and Jon Stewart.)
Right now, we live in a post-truth world where opinion, spin, and media manipulation have become the new norms—the new values—and most importantly, a world in which opinion is more important than fact. And Mr. Trump and his Gang of Hungry Ghosts have assiduously fed the beasts that rule the post-truth world by inflaming emotions, with the goal of creating chaos. There’s no portion of their agenda that’s haphazard—his cabinet was designed to dismantle every positive gain made on behalf of the poor, the sick and the safety of the planet.
What been so disconcerting about the implementation of this agenda is just how insidiously these gangsters have used deceit and deception to undermine the ability for lots of folks to think clearly. Of course, the ground for the current crisis in values has been fertilized and tended for many years. It has purposely exploited its constituents, selling them hatred, ignorance, hostility, and self-righteousness.
What I realized while reading Dan Rather and listening to the endless news revelations of last week is this: Uranus, in Taurus, is going to throw lightning bolts into these warring value systems and lay bare what is at the core. We are only at the beginning of those revelations and as this transit unfolds, each of us will have to make choices about what matters most.
Again, I know this is not new news, but Uranus is new news, and over the next couple of years it’s going to provide plenty of opportunities for us to decide what we really value, not just as individuals but also as global citizens, sharing the common and threatened ground of Planet Earth. We can no longer assume that ideals are self-evident because we now know that they aren’t. Uranus, in Taurus, will ask: Is truth itself is a value? And if so, how does each of us plan to integrate that value into the way we live our daily lives?
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Six more days and Uranus leaves your Sign behind (at least for now—it retrogrades back briefly in the fall), ending your seven-year identity crisis. Before you get too immersed in the next phase, contemplate what you’ve learned about yourself. And try to tie up any loose ends—it’s been quite a journey and there may still be treasures waiting to be discovered.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Uranus opens up new universes you didn’t even know were there, and as it does, it asks you to come into a more expansive perspective. You’ll need to be adventurous, and you’ll also need an open mind so you can explore these new territories without judgment. Don’t worry—you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You simply need to summon your courage to grow.
Gemini May 21-June 21
As Uranus moves into Taurus it becomes your inner tour guide, moving you deep within, and even if you’re already an expert at self-examination, you’re bound to discover new territory. Perceptions of reality can be disturbed by this exploration, especially if Uranus insists on a multidimensional awareness. Open your mind to new ideas and rely on your innate curiosity to guide you through.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Communities are comforting as well as confrontational—they provide shelter from the storms of loneliness but joining often requires leaving personal preferences behind. For the next seven years, Uranus revolutionizes your participation in communities, but before you join, be sure to assess your personal values, as well as your shared values and what you contribute.
Leo July 23-August 22
Uranus provides an encounter with recognition—not just wanting to be acknowledged for your talents, but also questioning your motivation. It doesn’t take much to be famous; all you need is an outrageous idea and the skill to manipulate the media. Being recognized for a meaningful contribution engages an entirely different value system and often delivers a different result.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Consider the value of wanderlust and ask yourself how it serves: Does it feed a deeper awareness of the world and its inhabitants—all its creatures—and expand an appreciation of diversity, or is it simply fun? Come up with a list of all the places you want to visit and why those places call to you. Uranus has lots of lessons to teach about the practical application of a true global view.
Libra September 23-October 22
Before you completely surrender to this next Uranian expedition and immerse yourself in a variety of transformational processes, take a moment—a long moment—to survey just what you’ve learned about the value of relationship over the course of the last seven years. Even if you’re tired of thinking about it, there may still be several valuable lessons to learn.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Determining the value of relationships is never easy. Some people simply don’t want to be alone, while others are searching for the deep recognition of the ‘other.’ Whatever your motivation, the next seven years include an examination of what you value in a relationship. As you move through this process, try to remember that we treat others as we were treated and as we treat ourselves.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
It’s a personal crisis of value, but it is not necessarily as dramatic as you might think. It’s more a matter of just how conscious you choose to be about the interconnectedness of life—all life, not just your own. Although what you choose to recognize is likely to shape the course of your day-to-day patterns, just keep in mind, this isn’t about struggle—it’s about awareness.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Your natural reticence could collide with Uranian impulses, but I’m not sure that would be a bad thing, especially if you’re open to Uranus demonstrating the value of unfettered creativity. I’m not suggesting you paint yourself pink on Valentine’s Day, but I am advising you to discard certain well-established boundaries that no longer serve, and instead embrace the value of spontaneity.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
How important is home to you? That’s going to be a frequent question throughout the coming years, as Uranus explores the value of home, both your internal home and your physical dwelling. Each has its own significance, so be prepared to be moving between dimensions. Keep in mind, this process is about what you value, and how where and how you live expresses those values.
Pisces February 19-March 20
As Uranus explores the value of communication it’s likely to push you toward greater intimacy. Even if you think you’re sharing your emotions freely, you might be unconsciously editing uncomfortable feelings in order to keep the peace. Rather than withhold, work toward a keener discernment of what needs to be shared—and why. You could be surprised by the power of this process.
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