Mindful Heart Astrology ~ Uranus

Uranus: The Great Awakener

Uranus tends to be unique and different compared to the other planets in our solar system.  Electric green-blue in color and with a rotation that appears more vertical than horizontal, it is often referred to as the ‘oddball’, another indication of its place within astrological interpretation. One orbit around the Sun takes approximately 84 years, so Uranus spends about 7 years in each sign.

In Roman mythology Uranus was considered “The Great Awakener”, and to the Greeks he was the personification of heaven and “God of the Sky”. Of the myths, stories and legends that have existed about Uranus one suggests he was brought to life by Chaos, the first form of the universe, reflecting the often chaotic results of a trademark Uranus shakeup. Some key concepts associated with this planet include freedom, independence, shattering structure, spontaneous occurrences, rebellion, innovation and uniqueness. It is no surprise, therefore, that Uranus is associated with earthquakes, lightening, and electrical storms…clearly a force to be reckoned with.

Generational Influence

Uranus is all about the impulse to be different, independent and radical, to overcome limitations of structure and the natural world. These things tend to manifest as extremes, including sudden disruptive change and things to which we might react with ‘shock and awe’. Revolution and rebellion also fall within the auspices of this planet, reflecting the tone and texture of the time in history when Uranus was discovered, during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, in 1781.

As one of the ‘Outer Planets’ (the other two are Neptune and Pluto), the relevance of Uranus is considered generational rather than personal, therefore its House placement within the chart is more significant than the sign it occupies, reflecting the area of life where the influence may be apparent. Since it is resident in a given sign for approximately 7 years, anyone born within that period would have the same sign representation though not necessarily the same House, hence the implications relate to the generation into which one is born.

Rules of Aquarius

Uranus is the ruler of Aquarius, reflecting friendships, individualism, uniqueness, support, humanistic views and humanity, compassion, eccentricity, progress, vision and non-conformance. Things considered ‘high tech’ are also reflected by this sign and its ruling planet Uranus, the glyphs for both offering clues to the nature of each. The glyph for the planet in some ways looks like a TV antenna, perhaps also a satellite. The double wavy line for Aquarius, although representing the water-bearer, could also be interpreted as radio or air waves suggesting the ability to connect wirelessly across vast territories or spaces through the benefit of technological equipment or related innovation.

Computers, information technology, mechanization and mass production, airplanes and airports, and of course space ships and space travel, are all linked to this planet reflecting tools and methods of connecting people and affecting society in general. As natural ruler of the 11^th House, Uranus’ association with the collective is further evidenced since this area of life also draws in groups, associations, and friends, as well as innovators and eccentrics, revealing a direct link with the sign it rules.

Where We Dare to be Different

In the natal chart Uranus tends to show up in the area of life where we ‘dare to be different’ or are perhaps considered ‘different’ or non-traditional. An astrologer I know says the House in which Uranus resides is where one finds their ‘weirdness’, of course referring to what is different and unique about the individual and/or the area of life where that tends to manifest.

For example, Uranus in the 4^th House might reflect an unusual or non-traditional family or home. American actress Angelina Jolie has this placement in her chart, reflecting a different type of family structure, representing different cultures and origins, as well as both adopted and biological children. Her view or experience of “family” therefore, might be considered non-traditional.

The Energy of Technology-Based Learning

Uranus in the 9^th House might reflect a different field of study or a non-traditional approach to higher education. With the advent of technology distance learning has become almost mainstream, and past boundaries associated with a ‘bricks and mortar’ college or university can be bridged or eliminated, as more people have access to a broader range of learning opportunities that may not have been otherwise available to them.

As with any planet or sign, there are always positive and negative forms of expression. With Uranus the negatives can be most often associated with shocking events and/or behavior, ‘over the top’ examples of shock and awe, and even something like eccentricity to the point of madness or tyranny. Uranian energy is present in every chart and understanding how it manifests in our lives can often help us to understand where and how we show up differently than others, and to appreciate our individualism…what is unique about each of us. This is, after all, what keeps things interesting.

I invite you to consider your own chart and see what you notice about where and how your own individuality comes to life. Any surprises? Is there any area of life where you might be considered ‘an awakener”? How might others benefit from what is unique about you? Some food for thought!