Uranus Retrograde 2021
Photo by Brad Starkey on Unsplash
URANUS TURNS RETROGRADE: August 19 2021
Uranus, the planet of freedom, change and the unexpected, turns retrograde on August 19, at 14 degrees Taurus. It goes direct again on Jan. 18 2022, at 10 degrees of Taurus.
For the Soul-Searcher:
When a planet is retrograde – appearing to go backward in the skies – it’s time for a review. It’s time to sort out any or all surprises and changes that Uranus brought this year (and oh my goodness! Has it ever been another year of uncertainty and instability – but also of hope this time, now that the oppressive Saturn-Pluto conjunction of 2020 is behind us). Uranus Retrograde is also the time to look for any adjustments or changes we feel compelled to make, based on what we’ve experienced.
Any event affecting us on the global level eventually brings innovation (which is what Uranus is known for). It weeds out what has become unnecessary. It forces us to look at things in a different light.
It's impossible to talk about this Uranus Retrograde without mentioning the big energy signature of 2021: the Saturn-Uranus squares, that repeat 3 times through the year. As Uranus turns retrograde, it will bring on the third peak of this energy, in December 2021.
A square is a tense energy, pushing us out of the comfort zone and into a new territory. It generates massive personal growth. But, experiences that lead to change and growth can feel stressful. Uranus is the planet of change, and Saturn is the planet of the conservative “status quo”.
So 2021 has been a transitional year for many of us so far. Life sure is not quite the same post-COVID. And are we really post-COVID now? What about Wave 4? The variants? What would the future of work look like post-COVID? Will companies continue to offer the option to work remotely? Is inflation here to stay? WHEN will we be able to travel with no restrictions?
All this uncertainty, as unsettling as it is, is encouraging us to review our relationship with change. Is ours a knee-jerk reaction? Do we resist change with all our might, because it’s uncomfortable and, therefore, scary? Or do we consciously recognize and seize the opportunities it brings?
Review your personal life. Review your work, business or finances. What adjustments do you need to make? What new opportunities are you seeing?
And on the Practical Level: Read if You Are a Capricorn, Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, Virgo or Scorpio
While it’s always interesting to know of the impact the planetary energy can bring to the world at large, when it connects with YOUR natal chart, it becomes very personal. With Uranus, a period of intense change in your personal life is possible (and sometimes there are unexpected surprises).
If your Sun, Moon, the Angles (Ascendant, Descendant, IC or MC), or the personal planets are between 10-14 degrees of Capricorn, Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, Virgo or Scorpio – you’re getting a fantastic opportunity to ride this powerful wave of energy coming into your life.
Has there been an inkling of changes brewing in your life since April 2021? If yes, consider what’s become stale, and what you need to do about it. Once Uranus turns direct on Jan. 18 2022, those changes might very well start happening. If you don’t drive them, they (manifesting as external events) can take charge of your life – whether or not you want them!
What Kind of Changes?
Well, it depends on the House (area of life) Uranus is moving through in your chart. Is it visiting your 7th House of Relationships, and you happen to be happily married? Well, start thinking of a new adventure that your spouse and you can embark on together, to bring some fresh air into your marriage. Or….your marriage could go through some changes you don’t want. I have seen divorces – but also long-awaited marriage proposals – happening when Uranus goes through the 7th House.
Is it going through your 6th House of Work and Health? Introduce some healthy lifestyle changes, shake up your routine at the office a bit (mind you, we all had enough of that with COVID) – otherwise, again, there may be some unexpected surprises.
Uranus moved into my 6th House while I was on a maternity leave. When I came back, I couldn’t recognize my job! I had a new boss who introduced so many changes, and who had such a different style, that it became a wild ride.
These are just some of the examples. Uranus can bring disruptions and experiences that feel electrifying and chaotic at the same time. It’s like life is filled with nervous, jittery energy all of a sudden. Well, life under a Uranus transit is not boring, that’s for sure!
Yes, But…Are These Changes Good or Bad?
EVERY planetary energy has upsides and downsides! It’s all about how we respond to it.
But, if you want to know if the changes promised by Uranus are supportive of where you are in life, look at the aspects Uranus makes to your natal chart. If it’s a trine – as it is for Capricorn b. Dec. 31 – Jan. 6, and Virgo b. Sept. 2-8 – you might get an easy, speedy resolution to a pressing issue in your life. Or an issue you didn’t even know was pressing!
If it’s a square – as it is for Leo b. Aug. 2-8 or Aquarius b. Jan. 29- Feb. 4 – changes coming into your life might feel quite unsettling at first (but then, change usually is). I’m looking at you, Leo and Aquarius, when I ask this: What has become stagnant in your life? Where do you need a change? What have you been neglecting (Your spouse? Your health? Your finances? Something else?) Make the necessary changes now, so they are not out of your hands when the Universe “serves” them to you.
The Uranus energy is neutral – neither good nor bad. It’s the energy of change, meant to keep us evolving and moving forward.
If you’re a Scorpio b. Nov. 2-8, you may have a choice to deal with, a decision to make. The options will be staying with the status quo, or introducing a change into your life.
And if you are a Taurus b. April 29 – May 6, you may be in for one of the most eventful years of your life!
Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio in particular have MANY impactful planetary energies all converging in 2021 and 2022. If that’s your sign, you might like this reading.