Uranus Retrograde: A Time to Let Change Settle

For many centuries, Saturn was the most distant planet that anybody knew about. That changed when Uranus was discovered in 1781 with the aid of a telescope. Saturn is still as far as the naked eye can see, so Uranus is associated with innovation and technology. 

More broadly, Uranus is the planet of change and transformation. Although Uranus transits tend to bring liberation that's good for us in the long run, the upheaval they produce isn't always comfortable in the moment. Uranus Retrogrades give us an important chance to process and integrate what's shifted in our lives lately.

What is a planetary retrograde?

All of the planets have periods of retrograde motion, when they appear to move backward in terms of their relative position to Earth. The inner planets — Mercury, Venus, and Mars — have short retrogrades that often have very noticeable effects in people's personal lives.

The outer planets like Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are typically retrograde for several months out of the year. These retrogrades have more subtle effects. However, they are crucial for helping us adjust to the changes that these slow-moving, culture-shaping celestial bodies bring.

When will the next Uranus Retrograde take place?

In 2024 Uranus will be retrograde from:

• August 28, 2023, to January 27, 2024
• September 1, 2024 to January 30, 2025 

This Uranus Retrograde will cover the area from 23° Taurus to 27° Taurus (tropical). If you have Uranus aspecting other planets in your birth chart during this time, the Uranus Retrograde will make the transit longer and more complex.

What does Uranus want?

Uranus was discovered around the time of the American Revolution and the French Revolution. These political movements demanded increased freedom for individuals, and that association has stuck with the astrological interpretation of Uranus. When you have a Uranus transit to your chart, circumstances may conspire to increase your freedom — whether you asked for that or not!

Under a Uranus transit, you might be less restricted than usual by the rules and desires of others. However, doing what you want won't necessarily be without its consequences. You will simply be negotiating with reality itself instead of fighting against anyone else.

A Uranus Retrograde is a great time to reflect on the consequences of your actions. Is the way you're using your freedom working for you? If you're disappointed with the results you're getting, you can take the opportunity to take action and correct your life course.

What should you do while Uranus is retrograde?

• Reflect on what's changed lately. Journaling or having a conversation with someone you trust may help you inventory what's been shifting for you. What are you doing now that wouldn't have been possible six months ago? Especially if you feel like the progress that you want isn't happening quickly enough, counting the steps you've already made can lift your spirits.
• Take responsibility for outcomes. Uranus transits often push you to claim more freedom for yourself. This is not always a neat and tidy process that protects the feelings of everyone involved. Sometimes the messy way is the only way that necessary progress can happen, especially if someone is resistant to it. Once things calm down, though, you might do what you can to make things better for anyone who wound up on the wrong side of a big change you made.
• Let go. Perhaps you've done as much as you can with your own efforts to improve a particular situation. In that case, you should just let go and allow things to unfold how they will. While Uranus is retrograde, a solution you wouldn't have thought of yourself could emerge.

What should you avoid while Uranus is retrograde?

• Pushing for more change right away. A Uranus Retrograde is a time to process change that has already happened rather than a time to push hard for additional progress. If you feel impatient with your situation, reflect on what has and has not worked well for you so far. That can help you refine your strategy so you'll be ready to soar when Uranus next goes direct.

What happens when Uranus goes direct? 

When Uranus goes direct after a period of retrograde motion, Uranian influences may intensify, particularly in terms of change and unpredictability. 

Here are some general themes associated with Uranus going direct:

• Sudden Changes and Breakthroughs: Uranus is often associated with sudden and unexpected changes. When it goes direct, there may be a sense of breakthroughs, innovations, or sudden shifts in various areas of life.
• Embracing Individuality: Uranus is linked to independence and individuality. Its direct motion may encourage people to embrace their unique qualities and express their individuality more freely.
• Rebellion and Unconventionality: Uranus is often associated with rebellion and a desire to break free from traditional constraints. Its direct motion may coincide with a period when individuals feel a heightened sense of independence and a willingness to challenge established norms. 
• Creative Inspiration: Uranus is also linked to creativity and original thinking. When it goes direct, there may be an influx of creative inspiration and unconventional ideas.

Remember Your Free Will 

During Uranus Retrogrades, it can be easy to feel more anxious and overwhelmed just knowing its approaching. Try not to feed into this fear. 

Our lives are equally shaped by fate (astrological influences) and our free will. While our future is partially influenced by astrology, the truth is that our current decisions, actions, and mental state determine our future.

When practicing Astro Yoga, you can gain freedom from planetary influences that negatively impact your life. Consistent yoga and meditation can reduce opportunities for self-sabotage and increase your ability to make life choices aligned with your highest purpose.

In closing

As always, individual experiences during astrological events can vary widely. This could be based on a variety of reasons, including knowing what house transiting Mercury is in for you right now or knowing what dasha period you are currently experiencing. 

When you join the Astro Yoga Experience, you will stay up to date with transiting planets and get directions on how to adjust your decisions, behaviors and actions to embrace your free will and overcome any challenges from transiting planets such as Mercury Retrograde.