Uranus is a relatively slow moving planet, taking approximately 7 years to transit through a sign. This month Uranus will enter Aries on the 27th. It will retrograde back into Pisces in August and return to Aries in March 2011. But once we have tasted the energy of Uranus in Aries we can continue to access it even during that retrograde period.
In order to assess what the nature of the transit of Uranus in Aries is likely to provide us it can helpful to look back and discover what happened previously during similar transits. The two most recent periods were 1843-51 and 1927-35. During the first of these rebellion and worker’s rights became highlighted. In Rhode Island, a citizen rebelled from the official state government because it had failed to fully extend individual freedoms to the citizens to the degree that the constitution required. This transit also saw the legalization of labor unions and the limitation of child labor. The latter of these times was, of course, the great depression. We are currently re-experiencing a major economic downturn. We can assume, however, that once Uranus transits into Aries that the more altruistic and humanitarian qualities of Uranus will begin to manifest.
Uranus represents change. It was discovered in the late 18th Century, during the industrial revolution and the beginning of democracy. From this, we can assume that Uranus pertains to technology, individual freedom and the desire to change social institutions into more idealistic, utopian situations. At best Uranus can be inspiring, innovative and liberating. It can awaken our consciousness to the limitless scope of human potential. At worst it can be erratic, aloof and self-absorbed. It can create a reactionary, contrarian orientation to rules or behaviors that other people and society tend to follow.
Aries is the sign of new beginnings. It is direct, assertive and authentic. At best it is self-affirming, courageous and creative. At worst it can be one-dimensional, arrogant and contentious. So the nature of Uranus in Aries is to integrate an energy that is progressive, experimental and cutting edge into a sign that is bold, confident and direct. This suggests that new directions or applications of technology will be invented. New ways of relating to each other will become popular. And new cultural and artistic styles and mediums could proliferate.
One of the things that could transpire during this transit is that people will become more comfortable taking risks. For example, venture capitalists could open their wallets and begin to provide financial support for new ideas and inventions, leading to new industries. This could be particularly true in relationship to green industries and ways of cleaning up the planet.
Politically, this transit could enhance the popularity of the so-called Tea Partiers. These are individuals who feel alienated (good Uranian keyword) from the current political climate and process. They could be anyone from people ready to join militias and take up arms (Aries) against the government to those who fear that we may have already lost our democracy to the military-industrial complex. The fundamental theme is the rugged individual standing up to the monolithic power of multi-national corporations.
One thing to be careful about with this transit is change that is impulsive and /or undirected. This can lead to change for the sake of change and squandering of time and resources. It’s as if someone turned on the garden hose without holding on to the other end. Water would be sprayed out indiscriminately in all directions in a destructive or at least wasteful way. We could feel so frustrated by our current situation that we are willing to make any change that we can. In so doing, we may fail to realize that we could be making the situation worse, or, trading one set of frustrations for another.
One way to benefit from this transit is to prioritize the acceptance and development of your uniqueness (Uranus) and express it in direct and creative (Aries) ways. The main theme is liberation. This could imply anything from changes in daily routines, to freedom from repressive people, to the need for detaching from material plane achievement and possessions and finding our sense of well-being through identification with Divine Spirit.
In the coming months Uranus in Aries will form powerful and significant relationships to Jupiter and Pluto, transits that will be delineated in future columns.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This month could bring a sense of relief from months of frustration. The time to move forward on new projects is at hand. There could also be opportunities for change in specific parts of your life. By all means, take advantage of the energy and do something exciting or adventurous. Growth for you comes from being deliberate in your actions and, aware of the ends you are seeking,
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Relative to social activities this is a time to be methodical and deliberate. Contemplation before action would be a good mantra. This is also a good time to integrate spiritual values and a deepening sense of integrity into your interactions with others. There could be many challenges this month and you could feel restricted and frustrated. The way out, and growth follows, is by getting clear about priorities.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Early month could find you enjoying alone time in which you engage in either spiritual discipline or creative expression. Late month brings the energy to share your newly discovered insights or realizations with others in flowing and spontaneous ways. Growth comes from remembering to include emotions into both your sense of self-awareness as well as information you share with others.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon on the 13th could bring fun with friends but conflicts with family. Use the support and experiences with friends to find the clarity to deal with family in altruistic ways. The full Moon on the 27th brings a lot of support from friends and colleagues that will help shine light on some deep feelings you don’t normally access. In turn, this could lead to a desire to share yourself more deeply with others.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Conflicts in early to mid-month give way to feelings of stability and support in late month. The difficulties could be with family or in your work. You will be dealing with people who are either egocentric and self-absorbed or those whose self-esteem is low. Growth comes from being open and honest with each person about your experience of them. This could provide useful perspective that impels growth and change on their part.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
If you are a student, this is a great time to study, contemplate and express yourself through writing. Research is also supported. Even if you are not in school, this is a good time to focus on something you want to learn. Immerse yourself deeply into the subject matter. You will be able to understand things at a very deep level, although patience is required to maximize your learning potential.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
This month, and for the next several, you could feel squeezed by the demands of others or by unexpected changes, especially financial or social. This is a good time to work on your co-dependency. Much of your stress could be caused by trying to be too nice or trying to hard to mediate between others. The way out is to stay centered. Act in accordance with how you feel and not in terms of creating or maintaining harmony for others.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Challenges at work could compromise a primary relationship. Difficulties with your partner could impact your performance on the job. Growth, and the way out, comes from being honest in communicating your experience to others. Any vulnerability you might feel will be more than compensated for by bringing issues that would otherwise be hidden out into the light of recognition.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
A push-pull feel to the energy for you this month. You may feel caught between the enthusiasm to put new ideas into manifestation and external obstacles that may seem insurmountable. The way out is to think strategically. Create a clearly defined goal and a grounded structure that will enable you to realize that goal before doing anything at all.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Feelings of restriction that may have plagued you for several months are alleviated by late May. Confidence and creative clarity will be strong in mid-month. Growth for you comes from learning to be more adept at delegating work and responsibilities so that you don’t create a box for yourself that reinforces feelings of isolation and alienation.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Uranus entering Aries could feel like your get of jail free card. Obstacles abound, however. Although it is clearly a time to act, be cautious and deliberate in whatever you choose to do. There could be unexpected financial or social changes that bring insecurity instead of confidence. This is just the beginning of a long period of action and the drive for liberation. At this time, growth comes from being disciplined and defined in both actions and expectations of results.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
The spiritual energy that has been so present for you these past few months starts to give way this month to the energy of the material plane. Growth comes from integrating the consciousness development you’ve experienced internally into your social and mundane activities. This takes discipline and is not as easy as it may sound. Take your time learning how to do this and be patient with yourself in the process.