Uranus is the first of the ‘generational planets’. It spends approximately seven years in each zodiac sign, so you will have your Uranus sign in common with everyone else within your age group. With an orbital period of eighty four earth-years, only the very elderly will experience a Uranus return, so that makes your Uranus sign seem to be of rather secondary importance to Uranus’s passage through the houses of your natal chart by transit.
However, Uranus by sign shows some important themes and trends that will be experienced by each generation. Some Uranus placements are a long time gone – some less so, but history shows us how the dynamics of Uranus in each sign plays out across the generations. History rarely repeats itself, but we can learn from it; in astrology we look at the fundamental themes of both the planet and sign to assess how the influence of Uranus affects each generation as it manifests through the signs.
Uranus Keywords
Break, Breakdown, Breakthrough, Breaking the Rules, Sudden Change, Chaos, Creative Genius, Detachment, Deviant, Eccentric, Electric, Electricity, Excitement, Experiment, Extreme, Fellowship, Freedom, Future, Impatient, Independent, Individual, Inspired, Invention, Liberation, Nonconformist, Original, Outsider, Risk Taker, Rebel, Restless, Revolution, Science, Scientist, Social, Technology, Truth, Tolerance, Unexpected, Universal, Upheaval
Uranus in Aries
Uranus last visited Aries between 2010-2019, so it’s useful to look back in history to see if any common threads can be identified that typify the Uranus in Aries experience. Associated with shock, chaos, upheaval and instability, those born during the years of the previous Uranus transit through Aries (1927 – 1935) were certainly born into a world of upheaval; financial crashes and the aftershocks of war left that generation looking to a future where peace could be guaranteed by organisations like the United Nations and NATO – the kinds of alliances that certainly resonate with Uranus’s idealistic concerns.
The new generation of Uranus in Aries people have been born in an era of great technological change; maybe they will be the first generation to understand the benefits – and question the limitations – of our tech dependent society. Their world is also facing major challenges that will require changes in the way we live. Climate change, inequalities of all kinds, instability caused by radical shifts in the way we live and work have placed our societies under immense pressure. Perhaps it will be their generation who show the leadership associated with Aries to make those changes.
Uranus in Taurus
There is a new generation of Uranus in Taurus people who are in the early stages of their childhood. Some have yet to be born. Uranus was last in this sign in the 1930’s with its main voyage through this sign between 1935-1941. This was probably the most tumultuous period in modern history and those born during this period had their early years dominated by the ravages of political extremism and a world war. So, fast forward approximately 84 years to the current Uranus transit through this sign. What will those with this placement have to endure, courtesy of the God of Chaos?
Let’s remind ourselves of the principles of both this planet and its sign. Taurus is about stability, the earth, the environment, security and our fundamental values. Uranus is up-ending the things we though were set in place and is stripping away the certainty and security that we thought would be so enduring. The result is instability, war and conflict. Conflicts over resources – and how we manage them – are likely to be a theme, as is money. Climate change, environmental stewardship, equality – Uranus will prompt us to discover innovative and idealistic solutions to those problems.
Uranus in Gemini
Uranus will enter Gemini in April 2026 and be there until August 2032. Uranus times are periods of radical change – if things are going to be kickstarted into action and move in a direction that’s completely unexpected and appear to be completely left of field and/or are completely visionary in some way – then Uranus is almost always the planet in charge. This is a Uranus experience that is approaching fast, so how can we prepare ourselves for it? As ever, go back to the first principles associated with the sign and house, look back at history and expect the unexpected.
Uranus was in this sign between 1858-1866 and 1941-1949. Uranus is inventive, so expect innovations in transportation, communications and connectivity. The typewriter, rotary printer, postcards and that eraser fixed to the top of your pencil? Thank Uranus in Gemini. The first recordings of the human voice occurred at that time too. The 1940’s saw aerosol cans, microwave ovens, jet engines and polaroid cameras. And now? Think driverless cars, the mass (Uranus) roll out of electric cars, AI and radical changes to social media. And also some stuff you haven’t even heard of. Yet.
Uranus in Cancer
Uranus was in Cancer between 1948 and 1956. The generation with this placement came into the world in the aftermath of the second world war, and though they are now seniors they entered a world that was, in many ways, revolutionary – and that revolution centred on the home and family. The ‘nuclear family’ became the dominant – and idealised – form of family unit in the western world. This was a period of innovation (Uranus) in the home (Cancer). Domestic appliances (washing machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, TV) becoming both popular and affordable.
Uranus focuses on social change; a change in attitudes enabled women to enter the workforce in larger numbers. Processed food became widely available. The birth control pill was invented. Innovation and freedom focused on themes we associate with Cancer. That’s also true of the previous Uranus transit in Cancer between 1866 and 1872. The American Civil War ended and a new nation was born; new nation states emerged in Europe and right for women gained traction. Home and homeland. How will Uranus revolutionise those issues between 2032-2039? Be prepared.
Uranus in Leo
Uranus was in this sign from 1955-1962. If you were born around then, you emerged in the ‘rock and roll’ years – and this musical revolution symbolises perfectly the expression of Uranus in this creative sign. Rebellion against an old-fashioned and repressive social order was expressed through cultural outlets, and music, dance, clothing and hair styles became a way of representing new forms of personal and collective expression; ‘teenagers’ emerged as a significant cultural and economic group and they provided a ready market for that most Uranus in Leo ‘must have’ – the transistor radio.
If you were born around this time, your cultural influences were radically different to those of your parents. Military service (the draft) became contentious as the younger generation had a different attitude towards social responsibilities, freedom of choice – and freedom of expression. A relaxation in social attitudes – plus increased leisure time and higher wages – boosted the ‘feel good’ factor. The growing market for television revolutionised mass entertainment. It was a time of optimism and progress that radically changed society. Uranus returns to Leo in 2039; let’s hope the visit is just as much fun.
Uranus in Virgo
Uranus occupied this sign during the years 1961 – 1972. It was a time of social revolution – and social revolutions affect how society is organised. That describes Uranus in Virgo to perfection. And what does history tell us of this time? Our mothers to return to work after having children – and our daily lives and routines were re-structured as a result. It seems normal now – along with equal pay – but it wasn’t then. Virgo is the sign of ‘discrimination’, and Uranus in Virgo saw challenges to the negative societal practices associated with that word.
Innovation was directed towards making improvements. Mass inoculation programs against disease represented a revolution (Uranus) in public healthcare (Virgo). In the US, Medicare and Medicaid services were established to revolutionise healthcare for the most needy. The use of technology to improve daily living was also a dominant theme at this time. Robotics and mechanisation in the workplace became an increasing factor at this time, as did an emphasis on ‘work-life’ balance. Uranus in Virgo also saw an increase in unemployment, social unrest and political upheaval. All revolutions have victims.
Uranus in Libra
When the planet of disruption is found in the sign of balance, can we expect the generations born under that influence to ‘upset the applecart’? We have a clear view of its most recent effects, as Uranus was in this sign between 1969 and 1976. In this sign, Uranus’s revolution affected relationships, equality – and the legal status of those concerns. Divorce is now commonplace – and socially acceptable – and women’s rights in relationships are protected. The legal rights of gay people began to be enshrined in law. Homosexuality ceased to be a criminal offence in the UK in 1969.
Uranus in Libra challenges social ‘norms’ where relationships are concerned, but if we look back in time, what else does history teach us about the dynamics of this placement? This was a time when peace – a core Libra concept – was of major concern. Peace rallies and peace protests – particularly against the Vietnam War and the nuclear threat – became more commonplace at this time. Opposition to violence was also expressed through the arts and popular music. Revolution takes many forms and in Libra it may be harmonious in a literal sense.
Uranus in Scorpio
Uranus entered Scorpio in 1975 and hung around until 1981. Much of what I’m going to say here will resonate with those born with Pluto in Libra, because if you have Uranus in this sign you may also have Pluto in that sign too. So, the social revolution that hit us at that time came from the arts scene. It came from the underground counter-culture. And when it was out in the open air, it shocked the ‘establishment’ and re-shaped our notions of what was socially acceptable – or not. Uranus in Scorpio is challenges existing power dynamics – and blows them up if they are obsolete.
This placement disrupts – and it’s about power too. The generation born then are now assuming positions of power – and many of them may think of themselves as ‘disruptors’, but is it freedom or anarchy? History tells us that when Uranus is in Scorpio, the zeitgeist is ever thus; in the 1890’s this placement marked the end of ‘the gilded age’. Young men born in those years would die in the carnage of the first World War. Millions of immigrants also came to the US through Ellis Island and had their life chances transformed.
Uranus in Sagittarius
Uranus was in Sagittarius between 1981 and 1988. In a world that was relatively affluent at the time, no rite of passage was complete without travelling long distances – often alone. The freedom to push yourself beyond your usual boundaries was made possible by the results of a previous Uranus transit in this sign; the Wright brothers proved that powered flight was possible in 1903. The rest is history. And history has a history of such ‘grand tours’. The classic ‘Grand Tour’, of Europe’s upper classes taking a ‘time out’ to tour the continent for their edification and improvement dates back to an outbreak of peace in 1648. And, yes, Uranus was in Sagittarius then too.
There is a pioneering spirit to the Uranus in Sagittarius generation. To be unafraid to follow your own star is a great thing, but this is also a combination that can result in zealotry – of all kinds. And that’s one to watch. This is a generation that came to age in a world increasingly dominated by fundamentalist beliefs. Identity politics. Religious orthodoxy. Tribalism. To be recognised as an individual and an equal is a good thing. Stoking social division under the cover of diversity is less so. Intellectual liberation and deeper understanding often come with a few fanatical belief systems attached.
Uranus in Capricorn
Uranus in Capricorn challenges traditional social structures, so what better way to mark Uranus’s ingress into Capricorn, than the fall of the Berlin Wall? From 1989 – 1995, Uranus in this sign marked the overthrow of those who had themselves been revolutionary idealists once, long ago. Uranus likes to knock down walls, symbolically as well as literally. Social attitudes, formed in more conservative times, were ready to be hit by the wrecking ball. Of course, Uranus in Capricorn simply reflected a radical truth; times were becoming more progressive – and were about to become more so thanks to technology.
The World Wide Web changed everything; the old world, symbolised by Capricorn, was truly overthrown. The generation born at this time have known nothing else. They are the internet generation. But what of Uranus’s other revolutionary messages? Independence and the breaking up of empires marked this time too. The USSR broke apart and the established map of the world – and global power – changed. It was also the period in which we began to notice the effects of climate change. Revolution and realignment can be more than cultural. When Uranus next appears in this sign, the time will be right for another revolution.
Uranus in Aquarius
We last experienced this placement between 1996-2003. During this period, there was a technological revolution; computing went mainstream; innovative coding and tech entrepreneurs made it so. The graphical interface of ‘Windows 95’ enabled ‘WYSIWYG’ home computing. Goodbye MS-DOS, and hello the world! Even though we only had ‘dial up’ internet access, there was no going back. The tech revolution gun had been fired – and would change our lives irrevocably. Microchips, mobile phone networks and Wi-Fi protocols would revolutionise every aspect of our lives.
Between 1912 and 1920, Uranus in Aquarius was just as revolutionary. It was dominated by the First World War – but this was a war in which new technology played its part. The first tanks were used in combat; the first planes were used in aerial reconnaissance – and some dogfights too. It was also the war in which four legged horsepower was replaced by the wheeled variety, as cars and wagons took their place in transporting soldiers and supplies. The development of the internal combustion engine paved the way for the development of the modern car. The world would be a different place without that invention too.
Uranus in Pisces
Uranus was last in in Pisces between 2003-2011. Those years, not so long ago, were marked by religious revolution, for example, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and hyper-conservative Christianity. Uranus is radical. It’s politicised and it’s revolutionary; the years that Uranus recently spent in Pisces were marked by religious revolution and shocking acts of terrorism. Those born at this time will have been born into a world of increasing danger and uncertainty – and rapid, radical change. Uranus likes to upset things – and in Pisces, it may upset the kinds of situations that we have been blind to – or have wilfully ignored.
When Uranus was previously in Pisces, between 1919 and 1928, it was radical and liberating. The generation born in this decade came of age in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Their artistic expression (Pisces) was both liberated and liberating (Uranus). The ‘Beat Generation’ – epitomised by writers like Jack Kerouac – were non-conformist, sexually liberated and experimented with psychedelic drugs; they aimed to shock and shake up social norms. Radicalism, revolution and and pushing the boundaries combine when Uranus is in this sign, so prepare to be shocked when those born in the 2010’s come of age.
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© Sara Shipman