An Astrological Guide to Uranus

Before you start making some high-quality fourth-grade jokes, the first thing you should know about this distant outer planet is that most astrologers (and astronomers, too) abide by the Ur-en-es or Ur-ah-nes pronunciation, making this planet much more mature and respectable.

Even though, technically speaking, it is still classified as a gas giant. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!

Anyway, when it comes to the celestial interpretation of the cosmos, Uranus carries a lot of weight. So what does it mean in astrology? And what does it mean for you? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered; read on!

First, what does Uranus symbolize in astrology?

Breakthrough, innovation, and revolution — which is very fitting (or, as I like to say by quoting myself, There Are No Coincidences) since Uranus was the first planet spotted through a telescope in 1781, expanding our understanding of the solar system. In fact, in astrology, Uranus — and all planets subsequently discovered — are considered “modern,” whereas the celestial bodies seen with the naked eye (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) are referred to as “traditional.” The more you know!

The only planet named after a Greek god (as opposed to a Roman deity), Uranus is tilted so far on its axis — at 97.7 degrees, to be exact — that it basically orbits sideways. This alternative spin perfectly matches its astrological symbolism: Uranus represents eccentricity, rebellion, upheaval, and raw genius. Frozen and distant, Uranus isn’t concerned with mundane matters: Uranus could care less whether you get bangs or if you should wait for your crush to text first. (Mercury, however, is all about the drama!) Uranus provides the macro lens, representing big-picture, long-term, radical change. Rejecting conformity at all costs, it’s not afraid to choose chaos over structure. Ultimately, though, it prioritizes what is for the greater good of humanity.

On May 15, 2018, Uranus moved into earthy Taurus, the zodiac sign associated with materiality, resources, and the physical world. While Uranus has a volatile, offbeat nature, Taurus (represented by the bull) is solid, pragmatic, and traditional. Taurus is associated with the material world — including food, finance, and the environment — so it focuses on creating tangible stability. Uranus is a slow-moving planet with an 84-year orbit, so for most of us, it’s the first time we’ve ever experienced the combination of Uranus’s rebellious nature coupled with Taurus’s structured realities (Uranus was last in Taurus from 1935 to 1942). But since Uranus’s latest transit began a few years ago, we’ve seen pretty monumental shifts across Taurus’s domain: supply-chain meltdowns, skyrocketing inflation, the cryptocurrency roller coaster, extreme interest-rate swings, the housing crisis … just to name a few. Thankfully, there have also been some positive shifts: increased environmental awareness, student-loan forgiveness (sort of), and even a nuclear-fusion breakthrough that has the potential to change the way we generate energy. Uranus always keeping us on our toes!

Next up, Uranus will move into Gemini (from 2025 to 2032). Gemini is an air sign associated with communication, curiosity, and networks, so we will undoubtedly experience major changes within technology, social media, and transportation. Gemini moves fast, so when Uranus — the planet of innovation — is amplified by this sign, brace yourself for a powerful few years of breakthroughs, discoveries, and (sometimes a bit impulsive) revolution.

What does Uranus mean for me?

Before I answer, I recommend downloading the TimePassages app for iPhone or Android (it’s my favorite astro app!), or checking this table, to see which zodiac sign Uranus occupied when you were born. Uranus stays in a zodiac sign for approximately seven years, which means you’ll likely share a Uranus placement with others in your peer group.

Ultimately, your Uranus placement reveals your own approach to innovation and disruption. How do you break the mold? Shake things up? Challenge the status quo? What’s more, how do you use your special, nonconformist skills to inspire others to take risks, tap into their deep wells of courage, and expand their horizons through nontraditional modalities?

Take a look at what zodiac sign Uranus occupies in your chart, and how the themes associated with that sign (detailed below) reflect your own rebellious nature. If these keywords feel familiar, excellent! But, if they don’t … well, this may be a wake-up call. If you’re having a hard time relating to the Uranian energy in your chart (which, don’t worry, is totally normal: After all, this planet is very far away), take a moment to reflect on the parts of you that have always felt unique. What are your quirks, peculiarities, and idiosyncrasies that make you you? Uranus encourages us to celebrate these qualities, so let your freak flag fly! And Uranus is leading by example. I mean, with a name like that, you gotta make it work, right?

Uranus through the Zodiac:

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